Fetal Heart Rate Decelerations

Introduction

• Presented by Sarah from RegisteredNurseRN.com
• Focus: Basics of fetal heart rate decelerations for maternity class and NCLEX exam
• Types of decelerations: Early, Late, Variable
• Encourage visiting RegisteredNurseRN.com for quizzes to test knowledge

Normal Fetal Heart Rate

• Normal range: 120 to 160 beats per minute
• Top tracings: Fetal heart rates
• Bottom tracings: Mom's contractions
• Measurement: Mom's contractions in mmHg (20 to 100)

Types of Decelerations

Early Decelerations

• Characteristics:
  • Mirrors mom's contractions
  • Heart rate dips slightly with contractions
  • Heart rate stays within normal range (e.g., around 130 bpm)
• Cause: Compression against pelvis or cervix during contractions
• Key Point: Normal, no intervention required

Late Decelerations

• Characteristics:
  • Heart rate responds after mom's contraction ends
  • Delay in response is concerning
• Cause: Utero-placental insufficiency
• Key to Remember: Forms a "U" shape; not mirroring contractions
• Interventions Needed: Non-reassuring sign

Variable Decelerations

• Characteristics:
  • Non-uniform, heart rate responds at different times
  • Heart rate creates "V" shapes
• Cause: Cord compression (e.g., prolapsed, wrapped around neck)
• Key to Remember: Unlike uniform decelerations, variable is scattered
• Interventions Needed: Often a sign of distress

Summary

• Early decelerations: Normal, mirrors contractions, no intervention
• Late decelerations: Caused by utero-placental insufficiency, non-reassuring, interventions needed
• Variable decelerations: Caused by cord compression, not uniform, interventions needed
• Visit RegisteredNurseRN.com for quizzes to test understanding

Resources

• Website: RegisteredNurseRN.com
• Quizzes: Fetal heart rate deceleration quiz, NCLEX quizzes, dosage and calculations quizzes
• Additional Content: Personality quizzes and more educational materials

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