Which finding indicates imminent birth?

• A. Fetal Heart Rate Drop
• B. Contractions Every Two Minutes Or Less
• C. Epigastric Pain
• D. Rupture Of Membranes

Answer: (B)

Imminent birth is best signaled by very frequent, regular contractions. When contractions occur every two minutes or less, they’re typically strong and they don’t allow significant rest between efforts—this pattern usually means the uterus is moving toward delivery, with the cervix nearing full dilation and the baby descending. A fetal heart rate drop points to potential distress and requires assessment, not a sign that birth is about to happen. Epigastric pain in pregnancy is nonspecific and not a reliable indicator of imminent birth. Rupture of membranes means the protective sac has broken and labor has begun or is underway, but on its own it doesn’t guarantee imminent delivery since birth can still be hours away.