Final answer:
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.