Abnormality in fetal heart rate and rhythm complicating labor and delivery Save
ICD-10 code: O76
Chapter: Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium
Understanding Abnormalities in Fetal Heart Rate and Rhythm During Labor and Delivery
During labor and delivery, the fetal heart rate and rhythm are constantly monitored to ensure the safety and well-being of the baby. In some cases, however, abnormalities in fetal heart rate and rhythm can occur, which can complicate labor and delivery.
Abnormalities in fetal heart rate and rhythm can be caused by a variety of factors, including fetal distress, maternal illness, or medication side effects. These abnormalities can be classified as either non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns or abnormal fetal heart rate patterns.
Non-Reassuring Fetal Heart Rate Patterns
Non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns are characterized by a decreased variability in the fetal heart rate, which can be indicative of fetal distress. There are several types of non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns, including:
- Variable decelerations
- Late decelerations
- Variable decelerations with late recovery
Variable decelerations are the most common type of non-reassuring fetal heart rate pattern. These decelerations are characterized by a sudden decrease in the fetal heart rate that is not associated with contractions. Variable decelerations can be caused by a number of factors, including umbilical cord compression or prolapse.
Late decelerations, on the other hand, are characterized by a gradual decrease in the fetal heart rate that occurs after the start of a contraction. Late decelerations are often caused by uteroplacental insufficiency, which is a condition that occurs when the placenta is not providing enough oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.
Variable decelerations with late recovery are a combination of variable and late decelerations. These patterns are characterized by a sudden decrease in the fetal heart rate that is followed by a gradual recovery.
Abnormal Fetal Heart Rate Patterns
Abnormal fetal heart rate patterns are characterized by a lack of variability in the fetal heart rate, which can be indicative of fetal distress. There are several types of abnormal fetal heart rate patterns, including:
- Sinusoidal pattern
- Flat pattern
- Undetected fetal heart rate
A sinusoidal pattern is a smooth, undulating pattern in the fetal heart rate that is often associated with severe fetal anemia. A flat pattern, on the other hand, is characterized by a sustained lack of variability in the fetal heart rate. An undetected fetal heart rate is a complete absence of fetal heart rate detection.
It is important to note that not all abnormalities