What are early decelerations, and why do they occur?

Early decelerations are characterized as gradual decreases in fetal heart rate that coincide with uterine contractions. This specific pattern is directly linked to the mechanism of head compression during labor. As the fetus descends through the birth canal, the pressure on the baby's head results in vagal responses, which manifest as early decelerations on the fetal heart rate tracing.

This phenomenon is considered a physiological response and typically indicates a reassuring condition rather than fetal distress. Unlike other patterns of decelerations, early decelerations show a clear and consistent relationship with contractions, making them distinct in their timing and characteristics. Understanding this relationship is vital for interpreting fetal heart monitoring data and ensuring appropriate clinical responses during labor.