Fetal resuscitation in a patient with varicella pneumonia and preterm labor.

A primigravida presented at 33 weeks gestation with varicella pneumonia. Cardiotocography demonstrated repeated late decelerations of fetal heart rate. Cesarean section was indicated for contracted maternal pelvis and breech presentation, but was decided against because of the risks of anesthesia. Maternal and fetal improvement followed intrauterine resuscitation and suppression of preterm labor. Cesarean section was performed 9 days later after spontaneous rupture of membranes with excellent outcome. The same approach is suggested for similar cases.