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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

Human Fetal Blood Flow Quantification with Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Motion Compensation

Human Fetal Blood Flow Quantification with Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Motion Compensation

Published on: January 7, 2021

Insight into variable fetal heart rate decelerations from a mathematical model.

M Beatrijs van der Hout-van der Jagt¹, Germaine J L M Jongen, Peter H M Bovendeerd

¹Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, The Netherlands. m.b.v.d.hout@tue.nl

Early Human Development

|January 1, 2013

Summary

Variable decelerations in fetal heart rate (FHR) during labor are simulated using a mathematical model. Umbilical cord compression during contractions impacts FHR, fetal blood pressure, and oxygenation, offering insights for obstetric training.

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Area of Science:

Obstetrics and Gynecology
Fetal Monitoring
Mathematical Modeling

Background:

Variable decelerations in fetal heart rate (FHR) on cardiotocograms (CTGs) are common during labor.
Umbilical cord compression, often due to uterine contractions, is a primary cause of these decelerations.
The complex relationship between CTG patterns and fetal well-being, particularly oxygenation, poses challenges in assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate umbilical cord compression-induced variable decelerations using an extended mathematical model.
To analyze the effects of varying contraction parameters and umbilical resistance sensitivity on FHR.
To enhance understanding of the interplay between uterine pressure, cord compression, fetal physiology, and FHR.

Main Methods:

Extended a mathematical model to include umbilical venous, arterial, and total cord occlusion.
Simulated umbilical cord compression under varying contraction durations, amplitudes, and umbilical resistance sensitivity.
Incorporated a clinical scenario to generate a labor CTG with variable decelerations.

Main Results:

Fetal mean arterial pressure increased, while fetal oxygenation decreased during umbilical cord occlusion.
A clear relationship was observed between these physiological changes and the resulting FHR decelerations.
Increased contraction duration, amplitude, and umbilical resistance sensitivity positively correlated with the extent of FHR deceleration.

Conclusions:

The mathematical model provides insights into the complex physiological responses to umbilical cord compression during labor.
FHR decelerations are significantly influenced by contraction characteristics and umbilical cord compression severity.
The model can be a valuable tool for individual learning and obstetric team training simulations.