deceleration

deceleration /de·cel·er·a·tion/ (de-sel″er-a´shun) decrease in rate or speed.

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early deceleration  in fetal heart rate monitoring, a transient decrease in heart rate that coincides with the onset of a uterine contraction.

late deceleration  in fetal heart rate monitoring, a transient decrease in heart rate occurring at or after the peak of a uterine contraction, which may indicate fetal hypoxia.

variable decelerations  in fetal heart rate monitoring, a transient series of decelerations that vary in intensity, duration, and relation to uterine contraction, resulting from vagus nerve firing in response to a stimulus such as umbilical cord compression in the first stage of labor.

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Deceleration

A decrease in the fetal heart rate that can indicate inadequate blood flow through the placenta.

Mentioned in: Antepartum Testing

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deceleration

[dēsel′ərā′shən]

Etymology: L, de + accelerare, to hasten

a decrease in the speed or velocity of an object or reaction. Compare acceleration.

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deceleration,

n in osteopathy, the process of decreasing speed or velocity of a manipulative technique.

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deceleration

(dēsel´rā´shn),
n a decrease in the speed or velocity of an object or reaction.

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deceleration

Dip Obstetrics A periodic & transient slowing of the fetal heart rate in response to uterine contractions, ie stress. See Fetal heart monitor, Uniform deceleration, Variable deceleration.

Deceleration

Uniform deceleration The fetal heart response to uterine contractions; UCs are symmetrical, have a uniform temporal relation thereto and are divided into:

Early deceleration/Type I dip Due to vagal stimulation elicited in the first stage of labor by fetal head compression

Late deceleration/Type II dip Due to uteroplacental insufficiency, potentially associated with a less favorable outcome; may signal early vasomotor lability

Variable deceleration The fetal heart response is asynchronous with respect to uterine contractions; the curves on the fetal heart monitor are more angled and saw-toothed, and may be related to compromise in placental blood flow, eg umbilical cord compression and, like late decelerations, may signify parturition-related difficulties