Which one of the following is not characteristic of precipitate labour?
**Question:** Which one of the following is not characteristic of precipitate labour?
A. Increased frequency of uterine contractions
B. Shortened cervix
C. Uncontrolled hypertension
D. Increased nuchal translucency
**Core Concept:** Precipitate labour is a situation where labour progresses rapidly, leading to the birth of the baby before the mother is physiologically or biologically ready. It can be caused by various factors and complications, but they should not be considered characteristic features of precipitate labour.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Increased frequency of uterine contractions (option A) and shortened cervix (option B) are typical features of precipitate labour. The uterus contracts more frequently and intensely, leading to cervical dilation and effacement, which are essential for successful labour progression.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:** Option C, uncontrolled hypertension, is not characteristic of precipitate labour because hypertension is a risk factor for pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, which are complications in pregnancy, not a feature of precipitate labour itself. Option D, increased nuchal translucency, is not related to labour progression but is a measurement of the thickness of the fluid-filled space in the nuchal region during pregnancy, which can indicate certain genetic disorders.
**Clinical Pearl:** In preterm labour, the baby is often born before the mother's body is fully prepared for childbirth. Pre-existing conditions or complications can worsen these symptoms, but they should not be considered the defining features of precipitate labour. Instead, these complications are typically the consequences rather than causes of the precipitate labour.
**Correct Answer:** D (Increased nuchal translucency)
**Why This is the Correct Answer:** Option D, increased nuchal translucency, is not a feature of precipitate labour but rather a measurement performed during pregnancy to assess for certain genetic disorders. This measurement is a part of the first-trimester ultrasound screening test, used to identify increased risk of certain genetic disorders, but it is not directly related to the onset of labour or precipitate labour. A high nuchal translucency is generally indicative of a higher risk of certain genetic disorders, but it does not define or cause precipitate labour.