A procedure that instills isotonic fluid into the amniotic cavity to correct fetal heart rate changes due to umbilical cord compression is called what?

• A. Amniotomy
• B. Amnioinfusion
• C. Chorionic villus sampling
• D. External cephalic version

Answer: (B)

Amnioinfusion is the procedure used to correct fetal heart rate changes caused by umbilical cord compression by infusing isotonic fluid into the amniotic cavity. By increasing the amniotic fluid volume, the umbilical cord is better cushioned, reducing compression as the fetus moves and the uterus constricts. This helps improve fetal oxygen delivery and can lessen variable decelerations seen on monitoring. The infusion is typically done through a catheter placed into the uterus during labor, using normal saline or another isotonic solution.

Amniotomy, on the other hand, is artificially breaking the membranes to hasten labor. Chorionic villus sampling is a prenatal diagnostic test that samples placental tissue, usually done in the first trimester. External cephalic version is a procedure to turn a breech or transverse fetus to a head-down position. None of these address cord compression during labor by increasing amniotic fluid.