North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the North American Registry of Midwives Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to excel!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What typically causes variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate pattern?

Maternal anxiety
Cord compression
Uteroplacental insufficiency
Fetal movements

The correct answer is: Cord compression

Variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate pattern are primarily caused by cord compression. This phenomenon occurs when the umbilical cord becomes compressed during labor, often due to factors like fetal position, uterine contractions, or maternal positioning. When the cord is compressed, it can temporarily restrict blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus, leading to a noticeable decrease in the fetal heart rate during contractions. The deceleration often appears as abrupt drops in the heart rate that can vary in timing and depth, hence the name "variable." Understanding that cord compression is the key factor in variable decelerations is crucial for midwives and other healthcare providers, as it informs their monitoring and management decisions during labor. Recognizing the signs of cord compression allows for timely interventions to optimize fetal outcomes and enhance labor safety.