Which of the following is a sign or symptom of a predelivery emergency?

Profuse vaginal bleeding is a significant indicator of a predelivery emergency. It can suggest a potential complication such as placenta previa or placental abruption, both of which can pose serious risks to both the mother and the fetus. In obstetric emergencies, any substantial bleeding requires immediate medical attention, as it can lead to hypovolemic shock in the mother and put the unborn child in jeopardy.

In contrast, the presence of a bloody show is often a normal sign that labor is approaching and does not typically indicate an emergency. A contraction every 20 minutes is also considered a normal stage of early labor and not an immediate concern. The mother’s skin being dry does not directly correlate with uterine or delivery issues and is not a decisive sign of an emergency situation. Therefore, recognizing profuse vaginal bleeding as a sign of crisis plays a critical role in the decision-making process for urgent intervention.