Which fetal tracing pattern is associated with placental abruption in the scenario described?

Which fetal tracing pattern is associated with placental abruption in the scenario described?

• A. Baseline 120 with accelerations
• B. Baseline 100 with late decelerations
• C. Baseline 150 with early decelerations
• D. Baseline 180 with no decelerations

Answer: (B)

Placental abruption disrupts placental blood flow and reduces oxygen delivery to the fetus, leading to fetal distress. The fetal tracing pattern most associated with this event shows late decelerations—decels that begin after the onset of a contraction and reflect uteroplacental insufficiency. A baseline around normal with late decelerations indicates that the fetus is experiencing oxygen delivery problems related to placental separation. Accelerations signify reassuring oxygenation, early decelerations point to head compression during labor and are generally benign, and a high baseline with no decelerations doesn’t fit the typical distress pattern seen with abruption. Therefore, a baseline near/at normal with late decelerations best matches placental abruption.

Placental abruption disrupts placental blood flow and reduces oxygen delivery to the fetus, leading to fetal distress. The fetal tracing pattern most associated with this event shows late decelerations—decels that begin after the onset of a contraction and reflect uteroplacental insufficiency. A baseline around normal with late decelerations indicates that the fetus is experiencing oxygen delivery problems related to placental separation. Accelerations signify reassuring oxygenation, early decelerations point to head compression during labor and are generally benign, and a high baseline with no decelerations doesn’t fit the typical distress pattern seen with abruption. Therefore, a baseline near/at normal with late decelerations best matches placental abruption.