Late decelerations may occasionally indicate that the infant isn't getting enough oxygen. Late decelerations, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), and little to no variability may indicate that the fetus is being harmed by the contractions' oxygen deprivation.
Once a contraction reaches its peak or when the uterine contraction is complete, late decelerations start. Smooth, shallow heart rate drops that closely resemble the form of the contraction that is triggering them are present. When the baby's heart rate also exhibits accelerations (a phenomenon known as variability) and quickly returns to normal heart rate range, late decelerations may not always be cause for alarm.
Fetal heart rate monitoring is a painless process.
This treatment has relatively low risks, making it a standard practice for all women going through labor and delivery. If you have concerns about your baby's heart rate while you are in labor, speak to your doctor, midwife, or labor nurse.
