At 35 weeks of pregnancy,a woman experiences preterm labor.Although tocolytic medications are administered and she is placed on bed rest,she continues to experience regular uterine contractions and her cervix is beginning to dilate and efface.What is an important test for fetal well-being at this time?

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Amniocentesis is performed to assess fetal lung maturity in the event of a preterm birth.The fluid is examined to determine the lecithin to sphingomyelin (L/S)ratio.Indications for PUBS include prenatal diagnosis or inherited blood disorders,karyotyping of malformed fetuses,detection of fetal infection,determination of the acid-base status of the fetus with IUGR,and assessment and treatment of isoimmunization and thrombocytopenia in the fetus.Determination of fetal size by ultrasound is typically performed during the second trimester and is not indicated in this scenario.An NST measures the fetal response to fetal movement in a noncontracting mother.

At 35 Weeks of Pregnancy,a Woman Experiences Preterm Labor