If most decelerations occur in conjunction with contractions, this pattern is called what?

• A. Periodic decelerations
• B. Episodic decelerations
• C. Recurrent decelerations
• D. Intermittent decelerations

Answer: (A)

Decelerations that occur in conjunction with contractions are described as periodic decelerations. This timing pattern shows the heart-rate dips are tied to the contraction cycle, reflecting a consistent, time-locked relationship rather than random, sporadic events. Periodic decelerations include patterns like early decelerations, which are typically benign and result from fetal head compression during contractions.

Episodic decelerations occur without any association to contractions, intermittent decelerations imply irregular or non-locked timing, and recurrent decelerations refer to how often the decelerations happen relative to contractions within a set time frame rather than the basic relationship to contractions.