What is a common complication associated with late decelerations?

Late decelerations in fetal heart rate monitoring are primarily associated with uteroplacental insufficiency. This condition occurs when there is inadequate blood flow—or oxygen delivery—from the placenta to the fetus, often due to factors such as maternal hypotension, placental abruption, or other conditions that compromise placental function. When the fetus experiences this lack of oxygen during contractions, it manifests as a late deceleration, where the heart rate drops after the peak of a contraction and returns to baseline only after the contraction has ended. Recognizing this pattern is crucial, as it indicates that the fetus may be experiencing stress due to inadequate oxygenation.

Fetal hypoxia can be a consequence of uteroplacental insufficiency, but it is not the direct complication associated with late decelerations themselves; rather, it is the outcome if the underlying issue is not resolved. Other factors such as umbilical cord compression and placental abruption exhibit different patterns and mechanisms on monitoring and are not fundamentally linked to late decelerations in the same manner. Understanding the connection between late decelerations and uteroplacental insufficiency aids healthcare providers in assessing fetal well-being and planning timely interventions.