Episodic decelerations are decelerations that are not associated with a contraction.

Episodic decelerations are decelerations that are not associated with a contraction.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. They are associated with contractions
• D. They indicate fetal distress

Answer: (A)

Classification of fetal heart rate decelerations hinges on timing relative to contractions. Episodic decelerations happen at any time and are not tied to a contraction’s timing, so they are not associated with contractions. That makes the statement true. For context, decelerations that do track with contractions are periodic; early decelerations align with the contraction due to head compression, late decelerations occur after the peak of a contraction and point to uteroplacental insufficiency, and variable decelerations are abrupt drops with variable timing often due to cord compression and can be episodic as well.

Classification of fetal heart rate decelerations hinges on timing relative to contractions. Episodic decelerations happen at any time and are not tied to a contraction’s timing, so they are not associated with contractions. That makes the statement true. For context, decelerations that do track with contractions are periodic; early decelerations align with the contraction due to head compression, late decelerations occur after the peak of a contraction and point to uteroplacental insufficiency, and variable decelerations are abrupt drops with variable timing often due to cord compression and can be episodic as well.