Late Decelerations and FHR

A late deceleration is a fetal heart rate pattern that suggests reduced efficiency of oxygen transfer across the placenta during contractions. It is a tracing finding, not a diagnosis by itself. Its significance depends on the rest of the fetal heart rate tracing, the contraction pattern, and the maternal condition. The experienced nurse notices the timing first: the fetal heart rate begins to fall after the contraction has already started, reaches its lowest point after the contraction peak, and recovers after the contraction ends. That timing points toward uteroplacental insufficiency and possible fetal hypoxaemia. Recurrent late decelerations require prompt assessment and intrauterine resuscitation rather than passive observation.