Severe Features in Obstetrics & Gynecology — Case | General Gynecology | SMLE Q#1598

SMLE Question #1598

Obstetrics & Gynecology General Gynecology

Objective: OBJ-ETH-STERIL

Last updated: February 2026
A 29-year-old primigravida at 38 weeks’ gestation is in active labor. She is receiving intravenous magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia with severe features and a low-dose oxytocin infusion for labor augmentation. Cardiotocography shows a baseline fetal heart rate of 140/min with moderate variability and recurrent abrupt decelerations with rapid return to baseline; the decelerations vary in timing and shape and occur around contractions. What is the most likely cause of this CTG finding?

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