North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

Is it true or false that maternal temperature rises during labor?

1. True

2. False

3. It remains the same

4. It can only rise dangerously high

The correct answer is: True

Maternal temperature does indeed rise during labor, making the statement true. This increase is typically due to a variety of factors, including the physiological stress of labor itself, increased metabolic activity, and the release of hormones such as oxytocin that stimulate contractions. The rise in temperature can also be influenced by factors such as dehydration, the intensity of labor, and the ambient temperature of the environment. Monitoring maternal temperature during labor is an essential practice, as it can help identify potential issues such as infection, which may present as elevated temperatures. Understanding that a rise in temperature is a normal physiological response during labor assists healthcare providers in distinguishing between a typical labor process and a possible complication. Therefore, recognizing this aspect of maternal health during labor is crucial for ensuring both the safety of the mother and the well-being of the baby.