Which major neonatal complication is carefully monitored after the birth of the infant of a diabetic mother?

Fetal well-being during labor is assessed by the response of the fetal heart rate (FHR) to uterine contractions (UCs). During labor, the fetal heart rate is monitored to assess the well-being of the fetus. The fetal heart rate should increase in response to fetal movement and contractions, which indicates that the fetus is receiving adequate oxygenation and blood flow. This response is called an "acceleration" in the FHR. However, accelerations alone are not enough to assess fetal well-being during labor. It is the combination of the FHR pattern with the uterine contractions pattern that provides the most information.

In addition to the FHR response to UCs, other factors that may be used to assess fetal well-being during labor include fetal scalp blood sampling, fetal pulse oximetry, and fetal ultrasound. Maternal pain control may help to decrease maternal stress and anxiety during labor, but it is not directly related to fetal well-being. An FHR above 110 beats/min is within the normal range for a fetal baseline heart rate, but it is not enough to assess fetal well-being during labor.

The biophysical profile (BPP) would yield more detailed information about the fetus in this scenario. The BPP is a prenatal ultrasound evaluation that assesses fetal well-being by evaluating five biophysical variables: fetal breathing movements, fetal movements, fetal tone, amniotic fluid volume, and fetal heart rate. The BPP is a more detailed assessment of fetal well-being compared to a nonstress test and can provide valuable information about the fetus's overall health and well-being, including any potential issues or difficulties.

MSAFP screening is a blood test that can detect certain fetal abnormalities, but it does not provide detailed information about fetal well-being.

Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PLBS) is an invasive test that is used to obtain a sample of fetal blood for testing in cases of suspected fetal anemia or other blood disorders. Ultrasound for fetal anomalies is a diagnostic tool used to detect structural abnormalities or defects in the fetus. While it can provide some information about fetal well-being, it is not as comprehensive as the BPP in evaluating fetal health and wellness.