Question

A 38-year-old G2P0 woman at 28 weeks gestation has been diagnosed with preterm labor and is currently stable on nifedipine. Her cervical exam has remained unchanged at 2 cm dilated, 75?

1) Enhancement of fetal growth
2) Increased risk of infection
3) Increased incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis
4) Increased incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage
5) Decreased incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage

Answer 1

Preterm labor in a woman 28 weeks pregnant managed with nifedipine does not enhance fetal growth or decrease intracerebral hemorrhage risk; however, it may increase the risk of infection and the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and intracerebral hemorrhage in the fetus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Effect of Preterm Labor on Fetal Risks

The scenario describes a 38-year-old G2P0 woman at 28 weeks gestation diagnosed with preterm labor and currently stable on nifedipine. Her cervical exam shows no change, remaining at 2 cm dilated and 75% effaced. Based on this information, neither fetal growth enhancement nor decreased incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage are expected outcomes. Instead, the risks associated with preterm labor may include:

• Increased risk of infection for both the mother and the fetus due to cervical dilation and possible exposure of membranes.
• Increased incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), especially in very premature infants due to the immaturity of their intestines.
• Potential for an increased incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage in preterm newborns because of the fragility of their developing blood vessels in the brain.