How can maternal dehydration affect fetal heart rate?

Maternal dehydration can significantly affect fetal heart rate by causing decreased fetal heart rate variability and may lead to hypotension. When a mother is dehydrated, the reduced fluid volume can lead to decreased perfusion and oxygenation to the placenta and, consequently, the fetus.

This decreased blood flow results in less variability in fetal heart rate patterns as the fetus does not receive adequate nutrients and oxygen. Additionally, maternal hypotension can occur due to dehydration, further exacerbating the situation by impacting the uteroplacental blood flow, which is crucial for maintaining a stable fetal environment. Therefore, the physiological response of the fetus to maternal dehydration manifests in the form of reduced heart rate variability and potential complications like hypotension, which can be detrimental to fetal health.

Other options do not align with the physiological changes that occur during maternal dehydration. For instance, the idea that dehydration has no significant effect contradicts the established understanding of how maternal hydration status impacts fetal well-being. Similarly, the assertions about increased fetal heart rate variability or improved heart rate stability are inconsistent with the potential negative effects of dehydration.