What is considered normal uterine resting tone in a term pregnancy?

Normal uterine resting tone during a term pregnancy is considered to be less than or equal to 20 mm Hg. Uterine resting tone refers to the baseline tension in the uterine muscle when it's not contracting. This measurement is important because it provides insight into uterine activity and helps assess the condition of the fetus during labor.

A resting tone of 20 mm Hg or lower indicates that there is appropriate relaxation of the uterine muscle, allowing for optimal blood flow and nourishment to the placenta and fetus. Higher resting tone values could indicate excessive uterine activity or abnormal muscle tension, which could compromise fetal oxygenation and should be monitored closely.

While values under 15 mm Hg could be clinically normal for some situations, the upper limit of 20 mm Hg is more widely accepted in clinical practice as a threshold for normalcy in this context. Understanding these parameters helps healthcare providers ensure the well-being of both the mother and the fetus during labor.