What would indicate maternal heart rate increase on a fetal monitoring strip?

When analyzing a fetal monitoring strip, an increase in maternal heart rate is most typically indicated by maternal contractions. During contractions, the body undergoes physiological changes that can lead to an increase in the maternal heart rate. This happens because contractions stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to an increased heart rate to support increased blood flow to the fetus and the uterine area.

Other options do not directly demonstrate maternal heart rate changes. An increase in fetal heart rate would suggest improved fetal status or response to stimuli but does not provide information about maternal heart rate. Decreased uterine tone generally refers to the relaxation of the uterus and is not associated with increased heart rate in a direct manner. Maternal movement can also lead to slight variations in heart rate, but this is less pronounced than the changes seen during contractions. Therefore, the significant physiological event of contractions is the primary indicator of an increase in maternal heart rate on a fetal monitoring strip.