While assessing foetal well being by cardiotocography, cord compression is indicated by: March 2004
**Core Concept**
Cardiotocography (CTG) is a non-invasive test used to assess fetal well-being in pregnancy. It involves the simultaneous recording of fetal heart rate (FHR) and uterine contractions. Cord compression is a critical event that can impact fetal well-being, and its detection is essential for timely intervention.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Cord compression is typically indicated by a sudden increase in FHR variability, followed by a decrease in the baseline FHR, and a return to normal after the compression is relieved. This is due to the transient reduction in blood flow to the fetus, which leads to a decrease in oxygenation and a corresponding increase in the release of catecholamines, resulting in an increase in FHR variability.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Incorrect, as variable decelerations are typically associated with umbilical cord compression, but they are not the only indicator of cord compression.
* **Option B:** Incorrect, as early decelerations are associated with fetal head compression during contractions, not cord compression.
* **Option C:** Incorrect, as late decelerations are associated with fetal hypoxia, not cord compression.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A mnemonic to remember the types of decelerations is "VELOCITY": Variable decelerations (V), Early decelerations (E), Late decelerations (L), and Variable decelerations (C) in the presence of umbilical cord compression.
**Correct Answer: C. Variable decelerations associated with umbilical cord compression.**