Certified Professional Midwife Exam Prep

Answer: D - The midwife suspects cord compression. Variable deceleration is manifested by decelerations occurring at unpredictable times in relation to contractions. This type of variability usually occurs after rupture of the membranes or in cases of oligohydramnios. Cephalopelvic disproportion is manifested by early decelerations before the head is fully descended. Early decelerations normally occur during the final stages of labor. Uteroplacental insufficiency is manifested by late decelerations.