Which of the following fetal heart rate patterns is characterized by a gradual decrease and return in FHR that mirrors the uterine contraction, with the nadir of the deceleration occurring at the peak of the contraction?
- A Variable deceleration
- B Late deceleration
- C Early deceleration ✓
- D Prolonged deceleration
Correct answer: C. Early deceleration
Explanation
Early decelerations are a mirror image of the contraction (uniform, gradual onset and return), caused by head compression during contractions and are physiologically benign. Late decelerations have onset, nadir, and recovery after the beginning, peak, and end of the contraction respectively, reflecting uteroplacental insufficiency. Variable decelerations are abrupt and non-uniform, caused by cord compression. Prolonged decelerations last more than 2 minutes but less than 10 minutes.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.