What fetal heart rate pattern can result from using Stadol or Nubain?

The use of Stadol (butorphanol) and Nubain (nalbuphine) can lead to the development of pseudo sinusoidal fetal heart rate patterns. Pseudo sinusoidal patterns are characterized by a smooth, wave-like pattern on the fetal heart rate tracing that can mimic a true sinusoidal pattern. However, unlike actual sinusoidal patterns, which are typically associated with severe fetal conditions such as fetal anemia or hypoxia, pseudo sinusoidal patterns often arise in response to certain medications or interventions during labor.

When narcotics like Stadol or Nubain are administered, they can cause changes in the fetal heart rate baseline by altering the fetal central nervous system’s response. This medication effect can create a rhythm that appears sinusoidal but doesn’t hold the same clinical implications associated with true sinusoidal patterns. Recognizing this distinction is crucial because it impacts the interpretation of fetal well-being and can guide clinical decisions during labor and delivery.

Normal patterns, tachycardic patterns, and bradycardic patterns represent different fetal responses that may occur under various conditions, but they do not typically result directly from the use of these specific medications.