What does the term 'deceleration' refer to in fetal heart rate monitoring?

In fetal heart rate monitoring, the term 'deceleration' specifically refers to a decrease in fetal heart rate. This decrease can be caused by various physiological factors and is categorized into different types based on the timing of the deceleration in relation to uterine contractions. Understanding decelerations is crucial for healthcare providers as they can indicate the well-being of the fetus and potentially signal the presence of stress or complications during labor.

For instance, early decelerations typically occur in coordination with contractions and are considered a benign finding, often resulting from head compression. In contrast, late decelerations occur after the contraction has peaked and can indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, which may require further medical intervention. Therefore, recognizing and interpreting decelerations accurately is essential for fetal monitoring and ensuring appropriate care is provided during labor and delivery.