Late decelerations in fetal heart rate can lead to which acid-base imbalance?

Late decelerations in fetal heart rate are indicative of fetal distress, often associated with conditions such as uteroplacental insufficiency. This situation can hinder the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the mother and fetus, resulting in compromised oxygen delivery to the fetus.

When the fetus does not receive enough oxygen (hypoxia), there can be an increase in anaerobic metabolism, leading to the production of lactic acid. This accumulation of lactic acid in the fetus results in metabolic acidosis, which reflects a significant disturbance in the acid-base balance due to the body's inability to effectively remove acids or produce enough bicarbonate to neutralize them.

Metabolic acidosis is a critical situation that needs to be addressed promptly as it can lead to further complications for the fetus if proper interventions are not implemented. Understanding the link between late decelerations and metabolic acidosis is crucial for healthcare providers in the context of fetal monitoring and immediate response to fetal distress.