Labor and delivery complicated by prolapse of cord, fetus 3

This code signifies a complication during labor and delivery where the umbilical cord descends in front of or alongside the presenting fetal part, risking compression and fetal hypoxia. Specifically, it indicates that this cord prolapse occurred with the third fetus in a multiple gestation pregnancy.

Assign this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of umbilical cord prolapse during labor or delivery in a multifetal pregnancy, and the prolapse is attributed to the third fetus. Supporting documentation would include operative reports, delivery notes, or physician progress notes detailing the cord presentation relative to the third fetus.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly identifies the affected fetus as the third in a multiple gestation.
• Do not confuse with other cord complications like vasa previa or nuchal cord, which have distinct codes.
• Sequence this code as a principal diagnosis when it is the primary reason for the admission or as a secondary diagnosis when it is a complication of the delivery.