Fetal Monitoring Basics
This fetal heart rate variability level (6–25 bpm) is considered normal.
Moderate
Moderate variability indicates a well-oxygenated fetus with an intact CNS
This system slows the FHR via the vagus nerve.
Parasympathetic
The parasympathetic system decreases heart rate and maintains variability.
Labor that fails to progress effectively is called __________ labor.
Dysfunctional
Dysfunctional labor involves ineffective contractions or descent.
The most common cause of sudden, severe fetal hypoxia is a _______ cord.
Prolapsed
A prolapsed cord compresses blood flow and oxygen to the fetus.
Labor between 20 and 37 weeks is called _______ labor.
Preterm
This term describes a temporary increase in fetal heart rate, at least 15 bpm for 15 seconds.
Acceleration
Accelerations are reassuring signs of fetal well-being.
These receptors increase cardiac output when oxygen levels fall
Chemoreceptors
Chemoreceptors detect hypoxia and trigger compensatory HR increases.
Fetal weight greater than 4500 grams is termed ________.
Macrosomia
Macrosomia increases risk for shoulder dystocia and CPD
When the uterus turns inside out, it’s called uterine _______.
Inversion
Uterine inversion occurs in the 3rd stage of labor, causing hemorrhage.
Medication used to accelerate fetal lung maturity
Betamethasone
Betamethasone stimulates surfactant production in fetal lungs
This category describes a normal FHR pattern with moderate variability and no decelerations.
Category I
Category I means the fetus is well-oxygenated; no interventions needed.
These hormones from the adrenal glands increase FHR and CO.
Epinephrine
Epi and norepi are released during stress to raise FHR and cardiac output.
Birth that occurs within 3 hours of onset is called ________ labor.
Precipitate
Precipitate labor is rapid and raises risk for hemorrhage or fetal distress.
A tear through the uterine wall is a uterine _______.
Rupture
Uterine rupture causes internal bleeding and fetal distress.
The hormone-based drug that relaxes the uterus during preterm contractions.
Tocolytic
Tocolytics suppress contractions to delay preterm delivery
This term describes a drop in FHR due to cord compression.
Variable
These receptors lower FHR when blood pressure rises.
Baroreceptors
They sense stretch in arteries and activate vagal tone to slow FHR
The four “Ps” of labor include Power, Passage, Psyche, and _______.
Passenger
Fetal head: Diameter, Molding of skull bones
Fetal lie: orientation of the long axis of the fetus to the mother
Fetal attitude: flexion
Presentation Position
Placenta that penetrates all the way through the uterus is called placenta _______.
Percreta
Percreta is the most severe form of placenta adherence
Pregnancy extending past 42 weeks is called _______.
Postdates
Postdates pregnancy increases the risk for placental insufficiency
This monitoring method uses a transducer on the abdomen to assess contractions.
Tocotransducer
The toco measures external uterine activity (frequency and duration).
The organ responsible for gas and nutrient exchange between mom and baby.
Placenta
The placenta mediates oxygen, CO₂, and nutrient transfer for the fetus.
When the uterus is overstretched and contractions are weak, it’s termed ________ dysfunction.
Hypotonic
Hypotonic labor has weak contractions, leading to slow dilation
Amniotic fluid entering maternal circulation is known as an amniotic fluid _______.
Embolism
AFE causes cardiopulmonary collapse and is often fatal
Infection risk increases after rupture of _______.
Membranes
PROM exposes the uterus to ascending infection