Definition
1. Transient decrease in Fetal Heart Rate (FHR)
2. Shape of deceleration mirrors contraction
  1. FHR deceleration starts with contraction
  2. FHR nadir correlates with peak of contraction
  3. FHR returns to baseline at end of contraction
3. Typically does not fall >60 bpm below baseline
Causes
1. Usually benign
2. Indicates head compression in second stage of labor
References
1. Bailey (2000) ALSO, E:1-13
2. Gabbe (2002) Obstetrics, p. 395
3. Rylander (2001) Clin Fam Pract 3(2):287

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This page was written by Scott Moses, MD. This page was last revised before 5/10/08, prior to consistent tracking of revision date. This page was last published on 6/1/2008. Please send comments and questions to the editor. Contact information may be found on the page About the Family Practice Notebook. These pages are best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0.