Variable decelerations in fetal heart rate are typically associated with which condition?

Variable decelerations in fetal heart rate are typically associated with cord compression. This occurs when the umbilical cord is compressed during labor, which can happen due to various factors such as the position of the fetus or contractions compressing the cord. As a result, there may be a transient decrease in fetal heart rate occurring with or following contractions, which is characterized by a rapid drop and recovery in heart rate that is often variable in timing and depth.

Other options, while they represent important conditions in obstetrics, do not specifically correlate with variable decelerations. Uterine hypertonicity may lead to abnormal contractions but is not primarily linked to variable decelerations. Placental previa involves abnormal placental location affecting bleeding rather than the fetal heart rate directly. Maternal hypotension can impact fetal well-being but typically leads to different types of decelerations, primarily late decelerations due to decreased uteroplacental perfusion. Thus, understanding the connection between variable decelerations and cord compression is critical for monitoring fetal well-being during labor.