North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

What term describes changes in fetal heart rate that are associated with uterine contractions?

1. Periodic changes

2. Irregular changes

3. Transient changes

4. Continuous changes

The correct answer is: Periodic changes

The correct term that describes changes in fetal heart rate associated with uterine contractions is "periodic changes." This term specifically refers to alterations in the fetal heart rate that coincide with the timing of uterine contractions. These changes can be categorized into patterns that may indicate the infant's response to uterine activity during labor. Understanding periodic changes is vital for monitoring fetal well-being during labor, as it helps in assessing whether the fetus is coping well with the stresses of contractions. These changes can include variable decelerations, early decelerations, or late decelerations that are linked to the contraction cycle. While the other terms may refer to different aspects of fetal heart rate monitoring, they do not accurately capture the specific relationship between fetal heart rate changes and uterine contractions like "periodic changes" does. For example, "irregular changes" might imply a lack of a predictable pattern, while "transient changes" refers to temporary fluctuations without directly linking them to contractions. "Continuous changes" would suggest a constant alteration, not specifically confined to the context of contractions. Thus, "periodic changes" is the most precise term for discussing these associations.