Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Variable decelerations: generally a result of umbilical cord compression, and contractions may further compress a cord when it is wrapped around the neck or under the shoulder of the fetus. They are defined as abrupt decreases in fetal heart rate, with less than 30 seconds from the beginning of the decrease to the nadir of heart rate.
During uterine contractions, fetal oxygenation is worsened. Late decelerations in fetal heart rate occurring during uterine contractions are associated with increased fetal death rate, growth retardation and neonatal depression. [1] [2] This test assesses fetal heart rate in response to uterine contractions via electronic fetal monitoring.
A normal nonstress test will show a baseline fetal heart rate between 110 and 160 beats per minute with moderate variability (5- to 25-interbeat variability) and 2 qualifying accelerations in 20 minutes with no decelerations. "Reactive" is defined as the presence of two or more fetal heart rate accelerations within a 20-minute period. Each ...
Umbilical cord prolapse should always be considered a possibility when there is a sudden decrease in fetal heart rate or variable decelerations, particularly after the rupture of membranes. With overt prolapses, the diagnosis can be confirmed if the cord can be felt on vaginal examination.
The presence of these biophysical variables implies absence of significant central nervous system hypoxemia/acidemia at the time of testing. By comparison, a compromised fetus typically exhibits loss of accelerations of the fetal heart rate (FHR), decreased body movement and breathing, hypotonia, and, less acutely, decreased amniotic fluid volume.
The term is also sometimes used to designate late decelerations of fetal heart rate as measured by cardiotocography or an NST, even if there is no other evidence of reduced blood flow to the placenta, normal uterine blood flow rate being 600mL/min.
Fetal distress, also known as non-reassuring fetal status, is a condition during pregnancy or labor in which the fetus shows signs of inadequate oxygenation. [1] Due to its imprecision, the term "fetal distress" has fallen out of use in American obstetrics. [2] [1] [3] The term "non-reassuring fetal status" has largely replaced it. [4]
Nuchal cord, when the umbilical cord is (tightly) around the neck of the fetus [2]; Entanglement of the cord [2]; Knot in the cord [2]; Cord prolapse, where the umbilical cord exits the birth canal before the baby, which can cause cord compression.