A nurse is performing a physical examination on a client who is at 30 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor.

Which of the following findings indicates fetal distress?

A positive fetal fibronectin test (FFN) indicates that the fetal membrane has been disrupted and labor may occur within the next 7 to 14 days.

This is a sign of preterm labor that should be reported immediately.

Choice A is wrong because elevated blood glucose level is not a sign of preterm labor, but a possible complication of gestational diabetes.

Choice B is wrong because thinning of the cervix (also called effacement) is a normal process that occurs during late pregnancy and labor.

It does not necessarily indicate preterm labor.

Choice D is wrong because abdominal tenderness is not a specific sign of preterm labor.

It could be caused by other factors such as constipation, gas, or stretching of the ligaments.

Some of the signs and symptoms of preterm labor include:

• Regular or frequent sensations of abdominal tightening (contractions) every 10 minutes or more often

• Change in vaginal discharge (leaking fluid or bleeding from the vagina)

• Feeling of pressure in the pelvis (hip) area

• Low, dull backache

• Cramps that feel like menstrual cramps

• Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea

Haemorrhage due to placental abruption.

Placental abruption is a serious complication of preterm labor that occurs when the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before delivery.This can cause heavy bleeding and endanger the life of both the mother and the baby.

Choice A is wrong because increased fetal movement is not a complication of preterm labor.In fact, decreased fetal movement may indicate fetal distress.

Choice B is wrong because decreased uterine contractions are not a complication of preterm labor.Preterm labor is defined as regular contractions that result in the opening of the cervix before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Choice D is wrong because increased cervical dilation is not a complication of preterm labor, but a sign of it.Cervical dilation indicates that the cervix is preparing for delivery and may lead to preterm birth.