How does a prolonged deceleration affect the fetus?

A prolonged deceleration in fetal heart monitoring refers to a sustained decrease in the fetal heart rate that lasts for more than 2 minutes but less than 10 minutes. This is significant because it indicates that the fetus may not be receiving adequate oxygen. The underlying causes of prolonged decelerations often relate to factors such as umbilical cord compression, uterine hyperstimulation, or fetal hypoxia, all of which can negatively impact the fetus's ability to thrive.

When decelerations occur for an extended period, they can lead to significant consequences such as fetal distress or even hypoxic ischemic injury if oxygen deprivation is prolonged. Monitoring these patterns is critical; resulting actions may include repositioning the mother, increasing IV fluids, or preparing for emergency interventions depending on the situation and the underlying cause of the deceleration. Understanding the implications of prolonged decelerations is essential for ensuring effective management of the fetal well-being during labor.