What do late decelerations indicate?

Late decelerations are a crucial indicator in fetal heart monitoring and are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency. This phenomenon occurs when the fetal heart rate shows a decrease that starts after the peak of a contraction and returns to baseline only after the contraction has ended. This timing suggests that the fetus is not receiving enough oxygen due to issues with blood flow through the placenta, which can be caused by factors such as maternal hypotension, placental abruption, or other conditions that compromise uteroplacental circulation.

By identifying late decelerations, healthcare providers can assess the need for immediate interventions to improve fetal oxygenation and overall well-being. This understanding highlights the importance of timely responses to late decelerations to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the fetus during labor.

The other options do not accurately describe late decelerations. A consistent heart rate throughout labor indicates stability rather than distress, while a sudden improvement in fetal heart rate does not relate to the specific patterns observed in late decelerations. Additionally, a decrease in heart rate that is unrelated to contractions would not signify the specific implications associated with late decelerations or their relationship to uteroplacental insufficiency.