What is the definition of a prolonged deceleration?

A prolonged deceleration is defined as a decrease in fetal heart rate of 15 beats per minute or more that lasts longer than 2 minutes but less than 10 minutes. This definition is significant in fetal monitoring as it helps healthcare providers assess the fetal well-being and determine if there are potential signs of distress that may require intervention.

In clinical practice, recognizing prolonged decelerations is crucial since they can indicate compromised fetal oxygenation, potentially escalating to more severe complications if not addressed. The parameters of the decrease in beats per minute, along with the duration, are vital in distinguishing prolonged decelerations from other types of decelerations which may have different implications for fetal health.