Which condition can cause a sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern?

A sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern is characterized by a smooth, undulating waveform that typically indicates serious fetal conditions, most notably fetal hypoxia or possible anemic conditions. This pattern can be associated with certain circumstances surrounding the fetus, particularly those leading to decreased oxygen delivery to the fetal tissues.

Fetal bleeding, which involves the loss of blood from the fetus, can lead to significant changes in the fetal condition, including hypoxia. The loss of blood can result in diminished perfusion and compromised fetal oxygenation, leading to the development of a sinusoidal pattern on fetal heart rate monitoring. This pattern is a critical indicator for healthcare providers, signaling the need for urgent assessment and possible intervention to ensure the safety and health of the fetus.

While maternal anemia and other conditions such as maternal diabetes and the administration of antenatal steroids can have significant implications for pregnancy and fetal well-being, they do not directly lead to the characteristic sinusoidal pattern of the fetal heart rate in the same way that fetal bleeding does. Therefore, the association between fetal bleeding and the development of a sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern makes it the correct choice in this context.