What is a common sign of fetal distress during monitoring?

Late decelerations in heart rate patterns are a significant indicator of fetal distress during monitoring. This type of deceleration typically occurs after a contraction and is associated with a decrease in blood flow and oxygen to the fetus, often due to uteroplacental insufficiency. The presence of late decelerations suggests that the fetal heart rate is responding to stress, indicating potential hypoxia or compromised fetal well-being.

In a normal scenario, the fetal heart rate would generally maintain regular ranges and display variability, which are positive signs of fetal health. However, the emergence of late decelerations signals a departure from this norm, prompting immediate clinical assessment and intervention. Understanding these patterns is crucial for healthcare providers to make timely and appropriate decisions for the safety of both the mother and fetus.