Final answer:
A tight nuchal cord during vaginal delivery can result in fetal distress due to further restriction of blood flow to the fetus and potential changes in fetal heart rate, leading to the necessity of an emergency delivery. While other complications such as maternal hemorrhage and prolapsed umbilical cord are serious concerns during childbirth, they are not a direct result of a tight nuchal cord. The correct option is a) Fetal distress.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the potential complications arising from a tight nuchal cord during a vaginal delivery. A nuchal cord occurs when the umbilical cord wraps around the fetal neck one or more times. Complications from such an occurrence can include fetal distress, placental issues, and umbilical cord problems during delivery.
Fetal distress is a condition that occurs when the fetus does not receive adequate oxygen during childbirth. Each uterine contraction during labor significantly reduces the blood flow to the fetus, and therefore it is imperative that there is a period of relaxation between contractions to restore oxygenated blood to the fetus. However, a tight nuchal cord can exacerbate the situation by further restricting blood flow, potentially leading to fetal distress as indicated by a sustained abnormal fetal heart rate. This may necessitate an emergency delivery through vacuum, forceps, or a Caesarian section.
Other options listed in the question, such as maternal hemorrhage, prolapsed umbilical cord, and premature rupture of membranes, are potential complications of childbirth but are not directly caused by a tight nuchal cord.