What does a prolonged deceleration in fetal heart rate refer to?

A prolonged deceleration in fetal heart rate (FHR) is defined as a decrease in heart rate that lasts between 2 to 10 minutes. This definition is crucial for midwives and healthcare professionals, as it helps to indicate potential fetal distress or other complications during labor and delivery. By understanding that a prolonged deceleration falls within this specific time frame, practitioners can assess the situation more accurately and take appropriate actions, such as further monitoring or initiating interventions to ensure the health and safety of the fetus.

In contrast to the other options, a deceleration lasting less than 2 minutes is considered short-term and does not fall into the category of prolonged deceleration. Similarly, a decrease of less than 15 BPM is not adequate for classifying a deceleration as prolonged, as the classification involves both duration and magnitude of heart rate changes. Lastly, a stable FHR without any deceleration indicates a normal fetal response, which contradicts the premise of discussing decelerations. Understanding these distinctions is key for effective monitoring and management during labor.