What should be monitored in the presence of prolonged decelerations?

In cases of prolonged decelerations in fetal heart rate, monitoring uterine contractions is essential because it can help determine if the decelerations are due to uterine hyperstimulation or some other labor-related factor. Understanding the frequency and intensity of uterine contractions allows healthcare providers to assess whether the fetal heart rate changes are linked to maternal contractions, which could contribute to fetal distress.

Increased uterine activity can compromise placental blood flow, potentially leading to prolonged decelerations. By monitoring contractions, clinicians can make informed decisions regarding interventions that could alleviate the stress on the fetus, such as adjusting maternal positions or administering tocolytics to reduce contraction frequency.

While monitoring fetal movements, maternal hydration, and baseline heart rate are important aspects of overall fetal assessment, they do not directly address the immediate relationship between uterine contractions and the possible causes of prolonged decelerations. Thus, focusing on uterine contractions is the most relevant action in this context.