Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo
Published on: August 2, 2017
High uterine contraction rates in births with normal and abnormal umbilical artery gases
Emily Hamilton1, Philip Warrick, Eric Knox
1PeriGen, Montreal, QC, Canada. emily.hamilton@perigen.com
Objective:
To determine if the incidence of high contraction (HC) rates and associated decelerations were different in term births with metabolic acidemia (MA) compared to those with normal gases (N) over the last 4 h of labor.
Methods:
MA included 316 babies with cord base deficits (BD) over 12 mmol/L N - 3,320 babies with BD under 8 mmol/L. HC rates were defined as >5/10 min.
Results:
One or more episodes of HC occurred in 43.7% of MA and 36.6% of N. (p = 0.015) In both groups the HC rates rose from about 1 in 30 patients at the beginning to 1 in 7 to 9 patients at the end. MA showed a different transition of the deceleration response over time. At the beginning the average ratio of decelerations to uterine contractions was similar in both groups but over the final 140 min MA showed a consistently higher ratio.
Conclusions:
Although HC rates were more frequent in the MA, it was not uncommon in N. On average MA showed more decelerations at every level of contractions and had a persistently higher level of decelerations per contraction for more than 2 h before birth.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Fetal Circulation
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
01:30Alterations in Respiration II
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes include...
01:26Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I
01:25Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection.
01:19Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is important.
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation: