What are the significant variable decelerations?
The definition of a significant deceleration was[10]: Variable decelerations reaching a nadir more than 60 beats per minute below the baseline and lasting longer than 60 seconds. Variable decelerations reaching a nadir of fewer than 60 beats per minute regardless of baseline and lasting longer than 60 seconds.
Are variable decelerations normal?
There are three basic types of decelerations: early decelerations, late decelerations, and variable decelerations. Early decelerations are generally normal and not concerning. Late and variable decelerations can sometimes be a sign the baby isn’t doing well.
What causes variable FHR decelerations?
Variable decelerations are caused by compression of the umbilical cord. Pressure on the cord initially occludes the umbilical vein, which results in an acceleration (the shoulder of the deceleration) and indicates a healthy response.
What is a complicated variable deceleration?
COMPLICATED VARIABLE DECELERATIONS Decelerations occurring in the context of baseline bradycardia. Decelerations that drop ≤70bpm or last for ≥60 seconds.
What do variable decelerations do during labor?
Also, you can take certain steps to treat late decelerations and improve fetal oxygen supply.
- Lie down in the left lateral, knee-chest, or right lateral position to relieve compression of the large vein (or vena cava) by your pregnant uterus.
- Your doctor might administer oxygen in response to late decelerations.
What are three types of abnormal fetal heart rates?
Abnormal patterns include the more severe forms of variable deceleration, persistent late decelerations, prolonged decelerations, and various atypical or preterminal patterns.
Why is variability important in fetal heart rate?
Marked variability in FHR patterns may represent an increased sympathetic response in the neonate due to a stressful intrapartum event (e.g. cord compression, meconium) that has not occurred with enough frequency or intensity to cause overt acidemia.
How do you fix variable decelerations?
Variable Decelerations Repositioning of the mother can relieve this compression if it is minor. However, if these decelerations continue, it could be a sign of more serious cord compression, and the nurse should administer oxygen, stop Oxytocin (Pitocin) if applicable, and check for vaginal cord prolapse.
What causes decreased fetal heart rate variability?
Among the disorders associated with decreased FHR variability during labor are fetal asphyxia and acidosis and subsequent distress in the newborn. Among the factors that influence FHR variability are maternal fever, fetal immaturity, so-called fetal sleep, fetal tachycardia, and drug administration to the mother.