Which fetal heart rate pattern is typically associated with fetal distress?

Late decelerations in fetal heart rate are typically associated with fetal distress, particularly indicating potential uteroplacental insufficiency. This pattern reflects a decrease in the fetal heart rate that begins after a contraction has started and returns to baseline after the contraction ends, suggesting that the fetus may be experiencing compromised oxygen supply during the contraction. This lack of appropriate return of the heart rate can signal that the fetus is under duress, which requires immediate attention and intervention to ensure the well-being of the fetus.

In contrast, early decelerations are generally considered a benign pattern associated with head compression during contractions and are not indicative of fetal distress. Baseline variability represents a healthy fetal response, demonstrating the autonomic nervous system's activity, and thus is typically a sign of normal fetal well-being. Normal accelerations, which are increases in heart rate that occur with fetal movement, indicate a healthy fetus and suggest that the fetus is not in distress.