What condition is often indicated by marked variability in fetal heart rate?

What condition is often indicated by marked variability in fetal heart rate?

• A. Normal fetal development
• B. Cord prolapse or compression
• C. Effective placental perfusion
• D. Preeclampsia

Answer: (B)

Marked variability in fetal heart rate is generally indicative of a healthy fetal response and can often be associated with well-oxygenated, active fetuses. However, when interpreting the context of this question, marked variability is indeed recognized as a possible sign of fetal distress due to situations like cord prolapse or compression. In such cases, these conditions can lead to changes in fetal heart rate patterns, including increased variability due to altered autonomic nervous system response or reduced blood flow to the fetus. Effective placental perfusion would usually demonstrate a more stable and reassuring fetal heart rate pattern, so marked variability would not typically indicate that. Similarly, while preeclampsia can affect fetal well-being, it is not specifically characterized by marked variability in fetal heart rate. Instead, preeclampsia would more commonly lead to decreased variability or other concerning patterns due to its impact on placental function. Therefore, when marked variability is observed in fetal heart rate, it often suggests a need to closely monitor the situation, particularly for possible cord complications.

Marked variability in fetal heart rate is generally indicative of a healthy fetal response and can often be associated with well-oxygenated, active fetuses. However, when interpreting the context of this question, marked variability is indeed recognized as a possible sign of fetal distress due to situations like cord prolapse or compression. In such cases, these conditions can lead to changes in fetal heart rate patterns, including increased variability due to altered autonomic nervous system response or reduced blood flow to the fetus.

Effective placental perfusion would usually demonstrate a more stable and reassuring fetal heart rate pattern, so marked variability would not typically indicate that. Similarly, while preeclampsia can affect fetal well-being, it is not specifically characterized by marked variability in fetal heart rate. Instead, preeclampsia would more commonly lead to decreased variability or other concerning patterns due to its impact on placental function. Therefore, when marked variability is observed in fetal heart rate, it often suggests a need to closely monitor the situation, particularly for possible cord complications.