Fetus

Early Deceleration

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Early Deceleration, FHR Early Deceleration

  • See Also
  1. Fetal Assessment
  2. Fetal Testing Indications
  3. Fetal Heart Tracing
  • Definitions
  1. Early Deceleration
    1. Transient decrease in Fetal Heart Rate (FHR)
    2. Shape of deceleration mirrors contraction
      1. FHR deceleration starts with contraction
      2. FHR nadir correlates with peak of contraction
        1. Onset of Early Deceleration to nadir >=30 seconds
      3. FHR returns to baseline at end of contraction
    3. Typically does not fall >60 bpm below baseline
  • Causes
  1. Usually benign
  2. Indicates head compression in second stage of labor
  • References
  1. Bailey (2000) ALSO, E:1-13
  2. Gabbe (2002) Obstetrics, p. 395
  3. Arnold (2020) Am Fam Physician 102(3): 158-67 [PubMed]
  4. Rylander (2001) Clin Fam Pract 3(2):287-305 [PubMed]