Intermittent decelerations occur with what proportion of contractions within 20 minutes?

Intermittent decelerations occur with what proportion of contractions within 20 minutes?

• A. Less than 50%
• B. Greater than 50%
• C. Not related to contractions
• D. Only during labor onset

Answer: (A)

Intermittent decelerations are decelerations that do not occur with the majority of contractions. In intrapartum fetal monitoring, you judge how often decelerations occur within a 20-minute window. If they happen with less than half of the contractions, the pattern is considered intermittent. When decelerations occur with 50% or more of contractions, the pattern is labeled recurrent and calls for closer assessment. This frequency-based distinction helps clinicians decide whether the fetal heart rate changes are sporadic and less concerning, or persistent enough to warrant investigation for potential fetal compromise.

Intermittent decelerations are decelerations that do not occur with the majority of contractions. In intrapartum fetal monitoring, you judge how often decelerations occur within a 20-minute window. If they happen with less than half of the contractions, the pattern is considered intermittent. When decelerations occur with 50% or more of contractions, the pattern is labeled recurrent and calls for closer assessment. This frequency-based distinction helps clinicians decide whether the fetal heart rate changes are sporadic and less concerning, or persistent enough to warrant investigation for potential fetal compromise.