Question

A 34-year-old G1P0 woman at 39 weeks gestation presents in active labor. Her cervical examination an hour ago was 5 cm dilated, 90 percent effaced and 0 station. The baseline is 140 beats/minute. There is a deceleration after the onset of each of the last four contractions. She just had spontaneous rupture of membranes and is found to be completely dilated with the fetal head is at +3 station. What is the most likely etiology for these decelerations?

A. Oligohydramnios
B. Rapid change in descent
C. Umbilical cord compression
D. Uteroplacental insufficiency
E. Head compression

Answer 1

The most likely etiology for the decelerations in this case is umbilical cord compression.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely etiology for the decelerations in this case is umbilical cord compression. Umbilical cord compression occurs when there is pressure on the umbilical cord, reducing blood flow and oxygen supply to the fetus. This can happen when the cord becomes trapped or compressed between the fetal head and the mother's pelvis during labor.

Other possible causes of decelerations include uteroplacental insufficiency, head compression, rapid change in descent, and oligohydramnios. However, given the onset of the decelerations after each contraction and the fact that the fetal head is at +3 station, umbilical cord compression is the most likely explanation.