What are recurrent variable decelerations?

Recurrent decelerations ( variable, early, or late ): Decelerations occur with > 50% of uterine contractions in any 20 minute segment. Prolonged deceleration : A decrease in FHR of > 15 beats per minute measured from the most recently determined baseline rate.

What causes variable deceleration?

Common causes of variable decelerations include vagal reflex triggered by head compression during pushing and cord compression such as that caused by short cord, nuchal cord, body entanglement, prolapsed cord, decreased amniotic fluid, and fetal descent.

What does variable deceleration mean?

A variable deceleration is a very quick decrease in fetal heart rate of 15 bpm or more, that lasts at least 15 seconds (but may last up to two minutes) before the heart rate returns to baseline. The onset of fetal slow heart rate, as well as the duration of the decelerations, varies with uterine contractions.

What is the treatment for variable decelerations?

Also, you can take certain steps to treat late decelerations and improve fetal oxygen supply. Lie down in the left lateral, knee-chest, or right lateral position to relieve compression of the large vein (or vena cava) by your pregnant uterus.

What is fetal deceleration?

Decelerations are temporary drops in the fetal heart rate. There are three basic types of decelerations: early decelerations, late decelerations, and variable decelerations. Early decelerations are generally normal and not concerning. Late and variable decelerations can sometimes be a sign the baby isn’t doing well.

What causes fetal tachycardia?

The fetal tachycardia causes include maternal fever, dehydration or anxiety, maternal ketosis, medications like anticholinergic medications, sympathomimetic medications like terbutaline, fetal movement, preterm fetus, maternal thyrotoxicosis and maternal anaemia1.

How long does a variable decel last?

Variable decelerations may be classified according to their depth and duration as mild, when the depth is above 80 bpm and the duration is less than 30 seconds; moderate, when the depth is between 70 and 80 bpm and the duration is between 30 and 60 seconds; and severe, when the depth is below 70 bpm and the duration is …

How do you fix early decelerations?

As early decelerations are not associated with decreased fetal oxygenation or metabolic acidosis, they do not require any treatment. However, it is crucial to continue to monitor FHR tracings throughout labor to recognize any patterns that may be a concern regarding changes in the acid-base status of the fetus.

What causes a baby’s heart rate to drop during labor?

Sometimes the umbilical cord gets stretched and compressed during labor, leading to a brief decrease in blood flow to the fetus. This can cause sudden, short drops in fetal heart rate, called variable decelerations, which are usually picked up by monitors during labor.

What is the priority nursing intervention for recurrent variable decelerations?

Variable Decelerations Repositioning of the mother can relieve this compression if it is minor. However, if these decelerations continue, it could be a sign of more serious cord compression, and the nurse should administer oxygen, stop Oxytocin (Pitocin) if applicable, and check for vaginal cord prolapse.

Why does my baby’s heart rate keep dropping?

A slow fetal heart rate is typically caused by problems with the heart’s electrical system, which sends out electrical impulses that signal the heart muscles to contract or beat. The problem can occur in the sinus node, the heart’s natural pacemaker, where these electrical impulses are generated.

What do variable decelerations indicate?

Variable decelerations. Another factor is how close the baby is to being born. For example, your doctor may want to perform a cesarean section if there are severe variable decelerations early in the labor. It’s considered normal if they happen before delivery and are accompanied by accelerations as well.

Are early decelerations normal?

There are three basic types of decelerations: early decelerations, late decelerations, and variable decelerations. Early decelerations are generally normal and not concerning. Late and variable decelerations can sometimes be a sign the baby isn’t doing well.

What is a variable decel?

Variable decelerations are irregular, often jagged dips in the fetal heart rate that look more dramatic than late decelerations. Variable decelerations happen when the baby’s umbilical cord is temporarily compressed. This happens during most labors.