Which of the following factors contributes to fetal bradycardia?

Fetal bradycardia, defined as a heart rate of less than 110 beats per minute in a fetus, can be influenced by various maternal factors. Maternal blood loss is a significant contributing factor as it can lead to reduced blood volume and oxygen delivery to the fetus. This hypoxic state can be detrimental and trigger a compensatory response in the fetus, often resulting in a decrease in heart rate as the fetus attempts to preserve oxygen for vital functions.

In situations of maternal hemorrhage or significant blood loss, the fetus may not receive adequate oxygenation, leading to a reduction in its heart rate as part of a physiological response to hypoxia. This underscores the importance of maternal hemodynamic stability for fetal well-being during pregnancy.

Other factors, while may influence fetal well-being, do not directly cause bradycardia in the same way maternal blood loss does. Recognizing the implications of maternal health on fetal heart rate is critical in managing pregnancies effectively and identifying potential complications early.