Which finding meets the criteria of a reassuring fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern?

Choice A reason: Quickening is the first perception of fetal movement by the mother, usually occurring between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation. It is a presumptive sign of pregnancy, as it can be subjective and influenced by other factors such as gas or peristalsis.

Choice B reason: A positive pregnancy test is a probable sign of pregnancy, as it indicates the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine or blood. However, it is not conclusive, as it can be affected by false positives or false negatives, or by other conditions that produce hCG.

Choice C reason: Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, painless uterine contractions that occur throughout pregnancy. They are a probable sign of pregnancy, as they indicate uterine activity and preparation for labor. However, they are not diagnostic, as they can also occur in non-pregnant women or in response to other stimuli.

Choice D reason: Fetal movement palpated by the nurse-midwife is a positive sign of pregnancy, as it confirms the presence of a living fetus in the uterus. It is an objective and reliable sign that can be detected by a skilled examiner after 20 weeks of gestation.

Choice A reason: Cerebral compression is the cause of early decelerations, as it reflects the fetal head compression during uterine contractions. Early decelerations are decreases in the FHR that begin and end with the onset and end of a contraction, respectively. They are symmetrical and mirror the shape of the contraction. Early decelerations are normal and benign, as they indicate that the fetus is responding to the increased intracranial pressure and maintaining adequate oxygenation.

Choice B reason: Cord compression is not the cause of early decelerations but of variable decelerations. Variable decelerations are abrupt and irregular decreases in the FHR that vary in onset, duration, and depth. They are usually caused by the umbilical cord being compressed or occluded by the fetal body, the maternal pelvis, or the uterine contractions. Variable decelerations can indicate fetal distress or hypoxia, especially if they are severe, frequent, or prolonged.

Choice C reason: Uteroplacental insufficiency is not the cause of early decelerations, but of late decelerations. Late decelerations are decreases in the FHR that begin after the peak of a contraction and return to the baseline after the contraction ends. They are symmetrical and have a gradual onset and recovery. They are usually caused by the reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to the placenta and the fetus due to maternal or fetal factors. Late decelerations can indicate fetal distress or hypoxia, and require immediate intervention.

Choice D reason: Spontaneous rupture of membranes is not the cause of early decelerations, but it can be a risk factor for cord compression and variable decelerations. Spontaneous rupture of membranes is the breaking of the amniotic sac and the release of the amniotic fluid, which usually occurs during labor or shortly before it. Spontaneous rupture of membranes can cause the umbilical cord to prolapse or slip into the vagina, where it can be compressed or kinked by the fetal head or the contractions.