AccelerationsThe presence of fetal heart rate accelerations is one of the most important signs of well-being during labor. Accelerations are defined as short-term rises in the heart rate of at least 15 beats per minute, which last at least 15 seconds. In many cases, they last longer.
Early Decelerations
Early decelerations are seen when the baby’s head is compressed. This often happens during the later stages of labor as the baby is descending through the birth canal. They may also occur during early labor if the baby is premature or in a breech position, causing its head to be squeezed by the uterus during contractions. Early decelerations have absolutely no clinical significance and are not harmful.
Late Decelerations
Unlike early decelerations, which begin to dip early during the uterine contraction or even before the contraction is visible, late decelerations do not begin until the peak of a contraction or thereafter. They are smooth, shallow dips in heart rate that mirror the shape of the contraction that is causing them.
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