What situation can result from fetal pressure against the cervix?

When the fetus exerts pressure against the cervix during labor, it can lead to caput succedaneum. This condition is characterized by the accumulation of fluid (edema) in the soft tissues of the baby's head, particularly in the area that is presenting during birth. This edema results from the pressure of the fetal head against the cervix and pelvic walls, and it usually resolves on its own within a few days after delivery.

This physiological response is common, especially in prolonged or difficult labor. The pressure disrupts normal blood flow to the tissues, leading to swelling. Understanding this can help nurses and healthcare providers anticipate potential complications during delivery and manage them accordingly. Caput succedaneum is distinct because it is specific to the fetal head and typically occurs as a direct consequence of the labor process.

The other options represent different scenarios: vaginal bleeding could be associated with various conditions but is not specifically the result of fetal pressure against the cervix; placenta previa involves the placenta abnormally covering the cervix, unrelated to fetal pressure; and maternal anxiety is a psychological response that does not directly correlate with the physical pressure exerted by the fetus.