Maternal-Newborn
Fetal Heart Rate Decelerations
Monitoring patterns in fetal heart rate that indicate the fetus's oxygenation status during labor.
Early Decelerations
- Gradual decrease mirroring the contraction
- Indicates head compression
- Considered benign; no intervention required
Variable Decelerations
- Abrupt decrease in FHR; V, U, or W shape
- Indicates cord compression
- Reposition mother to alleviate cord pressure
Late Decelerations
- Gradual decrease starting after the peak of a contraction
- Indicates uteroplacental insufficiency
- Immediate intervention: Turn to side, increase IVF, stop oxytocin, administer O2
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