uterine activity
The number of contractions in 10 minutes that signals uterine tachysystole.
more than 5 contractions in 10 minutes
Low-risk patients can be monitored intermittently with this technique instead of EFM.
intermittent auscultation (IA)
Normal baseline FHR range.
110–160 bpm
An acceleration at ≥32 weeks is defined as a rise of this many beats above baseline for this long.
15 bpm for at least 15 seconds
First action when late decelerations appear
reposition mother (left side)
The measurement that adds contraction peak pressures in a 10-minute strip; goal is above 200.
MVU
A device that screws into the fetal scalp for accurate FHR monitoring.
spiral electrode
Variability of 6–25 bpm, predictive of good outcomes.
moderate variability
These decelerations mirror contractions and are considered benign.
early decelerations
FHR >160 bpm for 10 minutes is tachycardia, most often caused by this maternal factor.
maternal fever/infection
Normal contraction duration during first and second stages of labor.
45–80 seconds
A portable system that allows ambulation but does not measure contraction intensity.
telemetry monitoring
Absent or minimal variability may be due to this maternal factor.
CNS depressant medications or fetal sleep cycle
These decelerations occur after contractions and indicate uteroplacental insufficiency.
late decelerations
FHR <110 bpm for 10 minutes is bradycardia, which may indicate this late sign.
fetal hypoxia
Typical intensity range in mmHg during first stage of labor, and in the second stage.
5–50 mmHg in first stage, rising to >80 mmHg in second stage
Name two disadvantages of external ultrasound transducer monitoring.
frequent readjustments due to fetal/maternal movement and difficulty with OP position or anterior placenta
Variability >25 bpm; significance uncertain—notify physician.
marked variability
Abrupt decreases in FHR caused by cord compression, sometimes treated with amnioinfusion.
variable decelerations
Category I tracing is considered normal. Name its three hallmark features.
baseline 110–160, moderate variability, no late/variable decels
The uterine resting tone measured with IUPC.
~10 mmHg
To place an intrauterine pressure catheter (IUPC), these two conditions must be present.
cervical dilation of 2–3 cm and ruptured membranes (ROM)
A smooth wave-like FHR pattern often associated with severe fetal anemia or impending demise.
sinusoidal pattern
Decelerations lasting 2–10 minutes, caused by sustained hypoxia or head compression.
prolonged decelerations
Two interventions for uterine tachysystole (>6 contractions in 10 min).
stop Pitocin, reposition mother, give O₂, increase IV fluids, or administer terbutaline