What can severe fetal compromise be indicated by?

Severe fetal compromise can be indicated by recurrent late decelerations, which are a concerning finding on fetal heart monitoring. Late decelerations are characterized by a gradual decrease in fetal heart rate that begins after a contraction and returns to baseline after the contraction ends. This pattern typically occurs when there is a disruption in blood flow to the fetus, often due to uteroplacental insufficiency. As a result, the fetus may not be receiving adequate oxygen, which can lead to distress and potential long-term complications if not addressed.

In contrast, moderate variability reflects a normal response of the fetal heart to external stimuli and is generally a good sign of fetal well-being. Rapid accelerations are also typically indicative of fetal well-being and are associated with fetal movement. A stable fetal heart rate may suggest that there is no acute distress, but it does not provide enough information to assess the overall health of the fetus under stress, especially in cases where complications may arise. Therefore, the presence of recurrent late decelerations is a more critical indicator of severe fetal compromise.