Cord compression is most typically associated with which type of fetal heart rate deceleration?

Cord compression is most typically associated with which type of fetal heart rate deceleration?

• A. Variable decelerations
• B. Early decelerations
• C. Late decelerations
• D. Accelerations

Answer: (A)

Cord compression causes abrupt changes in fetal heart rate because squeezing the cord transiently reduces both blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. This produces variable decelerations, which are sudden drops in fetal heart rate that begin abruptly and can vary in depth and duration. The nadir can occur at any point relative to a contraction, and the pattern often has a zigzag or V-shaped appearance with rapid recovery. In contrast, early decelerations mirror contractions due to fetal head compression and are gradual in onset and offset. Late decelerations occur after the peak of contractions and reflect uteroplacental insufficiency. Accelerations are temporary increases in heart rate and are not decelerations. Thus, cord compression is most typically associated with variable decelerations.

Cord compression causes abrupt changes in fetal heart rate because squeezing the cord transiently reduces both blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. This produces variable decelerations, which are sudden drops in fetal heart rate that begin abruptly and can vary in depth and duration. The nadir can occur at any point relative to a contraction, and the pattern often has a zigzag or V-shaped appearance with rapid recovery.

In contrast, early decelerations mirror contractions due to fetal head compression and are gradual in onset and offset. Late decelerations occur after the peak of contractions and reflect uteroplacental insufficiency. Accelerations are temporary increases in heart rate and are not decelerations. Thus, cord compression is most typically associated with variable decelerations.