Interpretation of the Electronic Fetal Heart Rate During Labor

Interpretation of the Electronic Fetal Heart Rate During Labor
The fetal heart rate tracing shows ALL of the following: Baseline FHR 110-160 BPM, moderate FHR variability, accelerations may be present or absent, no late or variable decelerations, may have early decelerations.

MATERNAL/CHILD HEALTH (OB): FETAL HEART TONES ACRONYM

VEAL CHOP
Variable decelerations…..Cord compression
Early decelerations………Head compression
Accelerations…………….OK, may need Oxygen
Late decelerations……….Placental Insufficiency

INTERVENTIONS
Variable decels → reposition mother to knee-chest position to get baby’s head off the cord OR use two fingers to lift the baby’s head off the cord until further interventions required
Early decels → sign that baby is descending into the pelvis, monitor as needed
Accelerations → reassuring (normal) sign; last for 15+ seconds and peaks 15+ beats/min
Late decels → worrisome sign; reposition mother, administer IV fluids and anticipate discontinuing/decreasing Oxytocin or administering a tocolytic to decrease contractions