Which factor can artificially elevate fetal heart rate readings?

Maternal fever can lead to an elevation in fetal heart rate readings due to the physiological responses that occur during an increase in maternal body temperature. When a mother has a fever, her metabolism speeds up, causing the fetus to respond by increasing its heart rate. The elevated body temperature can lead to a state known as hyperthermia, which affects fetal oxygenation and subsequently triggers an increase in the fetal heart rate.

This response is part of the body's natural reaction to stressors, such as infection or illness, and reflects the fetus's need for more oxygen, which can be compromised during maternal fever. Therefore, understanding the relationship between maternal fever and fetal heart rate is critical for appropriate monitoring and assessment during labor.

Other factors like dehydration or excessive exercise may impact fetal heart rate, but their effects are more complex and can vary based on other conditions. Fetal movement can also affect heart rate but is typically associated with a transient acceleration rather than a sustained elevation. Hence, maternal fever stands out as a significant factor in causing an artificially elevated fetal heart rate.