What is a key characteristic of early decelerations?

A key characteristic of early decelerations is that they mirror uterine contractions. This relationship is significant because early decelerations are often caused by fetal head compression during contractions. As the pressure on the fetal head increases, the heart rate temporarily decreases, leading to a deceleration that begins and ends with the contraction. This pattern can be seen on a fetal heart rate monitor, where the deceleration aligns closely with the timing of uterine activity.

Understanding this characteristic helps clinicians differentiate early decelerations from other types, such as variable or late decelerations, which have different implications regarding fetal well-being. Early decelerations are typically considered a benign phenomenon, often indicative of a normal physiological response, in contrast to those that suggest fetal distress.