How does maternal sepsis affect the fetus?

How does maternal sepsis affect the fetus?

• A. No effect
• B. Reduced uteroplacental perfusion with increased risk of preterm labor, fetal tachycardia, acidosis
• C. Fetal hyperoxia
• D. Decreased risk of nonreassuring fetal tracing

Answer: (B)

Maternal sepsis impairs the fetus by reducing placental perfusion and oxygen delivery. The systemic inflammatory response and potential maternal hypotension decrease uteroplacental blood flow, leading to fetal hypoxia. In response, the fetus may develop tachycardia as an early compensatory sign, and if hypoxia persists, metabolic acidosis can occur. Inflammation can also trigger uterine contractions, increasing the risk of preterm labor. Because oxygen delivery is compromised, fetal tracing is more likely to become nonreassuring, not less. Hyperoxia would not be expected in this scenario. So the fetus is affected by reduced uteroplacental perfusion with higher risk of preterm labor, fetal tachycardia, and acidosis.

Maternal sepsis impairs the fetus by reducing placental perfusion and oxygen delivery. The systemic inflammatory response and potential maternal hypotension decrease uteroplacental blood flow, leading to fetal hypoxia. In response, the fetus may develop tachycardia as an early compensatory sign, and if hypoxia persists, metabolic acidosis can occur. Inflammation can also trigger uterine contractions, increasing the risk of preterm labor. Because oxygen delivery is compromised, fetal tracing is more likely to become nonreassuring, not less. Hyperoxia would not be expected in this scenario. So the fetus is affected by reduced uteroplacental perfusion with higher risk of preterm labor, fetal tachycardia, and acidosis.