A case is presented in which external vibratory acoustic stimulation performed following a nonreactive nonstress test produced a severe variable deceleration of the fetal heart rate. A clinically suspected nuchal cord was confirmed by ultrasound. This rapid precise antepartum diagnosis of cord compression prevented untimely delay and led to immediate abdominal delivery of a nonacidotic, yet hypoxic, infant. This report suggests care be taken when fetal vibratory acoustic stimulation is applied in cases of oligohydramnios and a known existing nuchal cord.
A review of literature and current practice of normal fetal growth assessment is presented. Ultrasonographic dating of pregnancy in the first, second, and third trimester is reviewed. Individual biometric parameters are examined, and the proper use of the fetal growth profile is explained. Use of this information is discussed as it pertains to the single pregnancy.
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