The three types are early, late, and variable. Early deceleration is believed to be caused by fetal head compression. The fetal heart rate returns to the baseline at or before the end of the uterine contraction and is not associated with an abnormality. Late deceleration occurs after the uterus has begun to contract and may not cease with the contraction. It is an ominous sign of fetal distress, is believed to be caused by uteroplacental insufficiency, and is frequently associated with high-risk pregnancy and with maternal hypotension or uterine hyperactivity.
Variable deceleration occurs at various times in relation to uterine contractions.
It could be associated with umbilical cord compression and may be relieved by changing the mother's position. Early signs that suggest fetal distress include irregularity and mild variable decelerations. Early signs of fetal compromise that are more ominous include further decreased variability, heart rate increased over baseline, and variable or late decelerations. Late signs of fetal distress include no variability, severe variable or late decelerations with minimal variability, bradycardia in relation to baseline heart rate, and a sinusoid pattern to the fetal heart rate. All rights reserved.