Final answer:
Blood flow to the pregnant uterus increases during pregnancy and can reach around 500 to 700 mL/min by term. The blood flow supports fetal nourishment and is essential for fetal health, but it is not directly measured by fetal cardiotocography.
Step-by-step explanation:
Blood flow to the pregnant uterus around the time of delivery is critically important for both maternal and fetal well-being. The blood flow to the pregnant uterus increases substantially during pregnancy to manage the demands of fetal nourishment and waste removal. By the time of childbirth, blood volume has increased by approximately 30 percent in the pregnant individual, which can be an additional 1-2 liters. This expansion of blood volume accommodates for the increased uterine blood flow that can reach around 500 to 700 mL/min by term. The umbilical vein carries oxygen-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus, while the two umbilical arteries carry oxygen-depleted blood from the fetus back to the placenta. During delivery, there is also increased demand for blood flow due to the enlargement of the uterus and other changes associated with labor.
It is important to note that while maternal blood flow through the uterus and placenta is linked to fetal circulation, the actual blood flow is not directly measured by fetal cardiotocography. Instead, cardiotocography monitors fetal heart rate and uterine contractions to check the well-being of the fetus during labor.