Question

A woman at 26 weeks of gestation is being assessed to determine whether she is experiencing preterm labor. What finding indicates that preterm labor is occurring? (Note: see power point on complications of Labor for homework part 1 on preterm labor)

A) Estriol is not found in maternal saliva.
B) Irregular, mild uterine contractions are occurring every 12 to 15 minutes
C) Fetal fibronectin is present in vaginal secretions.
D) The cervix is effacing and dilated to 2 cm.

Answer 1

The strongest indication of preterm labor at 26 weeks gestation is the dilation and effacement of the cervix to 2 cm. This is a sign of true labor, characterized by a positive feedback loop of cervical changes due to consistent uterine contractions.

Step-by-step explanation:

A woman at 26 weeks of gestation is being assessed to determine whether she is experiencing preterm labor. Among the given options, the finding that indicates preterm labor is occurring is D) The cervix is effacing and dilated to 2 cm. True labor involves a positive feedback loop where uterine contractions cause cervical effacement and dilation. Progressive cervical changes such as effacement and dilation in the context of consistent uterine contractions are classic signs of labor.

Fetal fibronectin in vaginal secretions is also a marker for preterm labor, but it is not as definitive as cervical changes. Irregular, mild uterine contractions every 12 to 15 minutes or the lack of estriol in maternal saliva do not necessarily indicate active labor.