What is the normal base excess (BE) in the umbilical artery?

The normal base excess (BE) in the umbilical artery is typically reported to be in the range of -2.7 to -3.6 mEq/L. This range is significant because base excess is a measure of metabolic acidosis or alkalosis in the fetal blood and provides insights into the fetus's oxygenation and overall acid-base status. A value within this range indicates that the fetus is experiencing a mild metabolic disturbance, which is an important indicator during fetal monitoring.

Values that fall outside this range could suggest more severe metabolic disturbances. For example, a more negative base excess indicates greater acidosis, which could be a sign of hypoxia or other pathological processes affecting the fetus. Understanding these ranges helps healthcare providers assess the well-being of the fetus and make informed decisions regarding interventions if necessary.

In contrast, the other options represent deviations that fall outside the normal range, indicating either more severe acidosis or less common physiological states in the context of fetal monitoring.