What is the expected response to variable decelerations in fetal heart rate?

Repositioning the mother to alleviate umbilical cord pressure is the expected response to variable decelerations in fetal heart rate because these decelerations are often caused by umbilical cord compression, which can restrict blood flow and oxygen supply to the fetus. When a variable deceleration is observed, adjusting the maternal position can help relieve pressure on the umbilical cord, potentially resolving the deceleration and improving fetal well-being.

In clinical practice, the mother's position might be changed to lateral (side-lying) or the knee-chest position, which can help alleviate any cord compression and improve fetal blood flow. This intervention is both immediate and non-invasive, making it an appropriate first response in the face of variable decelerations.

Other approaches mentioned, such as increasing maternal analgesia or preparing for immediate delivery, may not address the underlying issue of umbilical cord compression directly and could be more appropriate in other clinical scenarios where immediate intervention is required. Monitoring without intervention may not be advisable in the case of significant variable decelerations, as it could leave the fetus at risk for compromised oxygenation.