What fetal condition can lead to abnormal EFM tracings?

Abnormal electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) tracings can be indicative of several fetal conditions that may compromise fetal well-being. One significant condition that can lead to these abnormalities is cord prolapse.

Cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord slips ahead of the presenting part of the fetus during labor. This can result in variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate on the EFM tracings, which reflect transient decreases in the heart rate caused by cord compression. Such conditions can cause reduced oxygen delivery to the fetus, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and responding to abnormal EFM tracings promptly.

In contrast, increased maternal activity, normal fetal growth, and scheduled cesarean do not inherently lead to abnormal EFM tracings. Increased maternal activity may not negatively impact fetal heart patterns, and normal fetal growth typically corresponds with a healthy fetal heart rate. A scheduled cesarean is planned and would not typically be associated with the complications that can cause fetal heart rate abnormalities. Therefore, cord prolapse is clearly linked to the development of abnormal readings, making it the appropriate choice.