Decreased placental perfusion during contractions is associated with which fetal heart rate pattern?

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

Answer: (B)

Late decelerations indicate decreased placental perfusion during contractions. They begin after the start of a contraction and reach their lowest point after the peak, then recover after the contraction ends. This timing reflects transient fetal hypoxia caused by reduced placental blood flow during uterine contractions. Management typically focuses on improving placental oxygen delivery and may include measures to enhance uteroplacental perfusion and, if needed, expedite delivery. Early decelerations mirror contractions and are due to head compression; variable decelerations are abrupt and related to cord compression; fetal tachycardia is not a pattern of placental perfusion like this.