What is the maximum acceptable duration for a deceleration to be classified as "prolonged"?

A deceleration is classified as "prolonged" when it lasts for more than 2 minutes but less than or equal to 10 minutes. This classification is crucial in fetal monitoring as prolonged decelerations can indicate fetal distress, necessitating immediate clinical assessment and intervention.

The duration of 10 minutes is a key threshold for defining prolonged decelerations, as anything beyond this time frame typically warrants further evaluation. Monitoring for such events allows healthcare providers to assess the fetal heart rate's response to labor and interventions that may be needed to ensure fetal well-being. Understanding this classification helps practitioners recognize significant changes in fetal status and respond appropriately during labor and delivery.