What is the appropriate response to sustained fetal heart rate decelerations?

When faced with sustained fetal heart rate decelerations, altering maternal position is considered an appropriate response because it can help alleviate any potential umbilical cord compression or improve placental perfusion. By positioning the mother in a side-lying position or changing her posture, you may enhance blood flow to the fetus, thereby improving the fetal heart rate. This intervention is often one of the first steps taken in managing variable decelerations, which may be caused by factors such as cord compression.

Continuing with current monitoring without any intervention may miss an opportunity to resolve the deceleration issue, while increasing IV fluids might be beneficial in some cases—like in cases of hypotension—but is not specifically targeted at addressing the most immediate concerns around decelerations. Preparing for surgical delivery would likely be a more drastic measure reserved for cases where fetal distress is indicated and when other interventions have been exhausted or are no longer effective. In many cases, a change in maternal position can significantly improve fetal condition without necessitating more invasive interventions.