What fetal factor is associated with late decelerations?

Late decelerations are a significant finding on fetal heart rate monitoring and are primarily associated with fetal hypoxia. This condition refers to a lack of oxygen supply to the fetus, which can lead to reduced fetal baseline heart rate variability and the characteristic late decelerations in response to uterine contractions. Late decelerations typically occur after the peak of a contraction and return to the baseline fetal heart rate after the contraction has ended, which suggests that the fetus is experiencing stress, commonly due to decreased oxygenation.

Understanding the cause of late decelerations is crucial for healthcare providers, as it may indicate uteroplacental insufficiency or other complications requiring intervention to ensure the safety of both the mother and fetus. Identifying fetal hypoxia through monitoring can prompt timely decisions regarding labor management, including potential delivery if the fetal condition is concerning.