Which pattern is characteristic of early decelerations?

Early decelerations are characterized by their unique relationship with uterine contractions. Specifically, they occur simultaneously with the contractions and demonstrate a mirroring pattern in shape. This means that as the contraction peaks, the fetal heart rate responds with a gradual decrease, followed by a return to baseline that corresponds with the end of the contraction. Early decelerations are typically associated with head compression during labor, which is a common and expected occurrence. Understanding this pattern is vital for healthcare professionals monitoring fetal well-being, as it indicates a physiological response rather than a sign of fetal distress. The other patterns do not accurately describe early decelerations, which is why they are not considered characteristic features of this type of deceleration.