Published
Early decels - begin with the contraction and end when the contraction ends; the lowest point of the FHR should come at the peak of the contraction
Late decels - decels that begin after the onset of the contraction and continue after the contraction ends
Variable decels - unpredictable decels that do not follow either of the patterns above
Remember:
Early decels are ok, generally indicate compression on the head during contraction
Late decels are bad, generally indicate uteroplacental insufficiency
Variable decels are also bad, generally indicate cord compression
Remember, decels are a decrease in FHR. The thing to be concerned about is HR
ELV -- early late variable
HPC -- head placenta cord
That above is how i remembered mine for tests and it always worked for me. The thing to take into consideration is that other factors play a role in FHR - drugs, position, congenital defects, etc. Study up - I had a question on NCLEX about FHR and decels!
CrystalClear75, BSN, RN
624 Posts
Could somebody either explain or provide me with a link that helps explain what what variable decelerations, late decelerations are...in your words how do you explain the acceleration in terms of the fetal heart rate....are and how they apply to the fetal well being. Thanks in advance.