What category does absent variability without recurrent decelerations belong to?

Absent variability without recurrent decelerations is classified as Category 2. This category is characterized by patterns that do not fit the reassuring characteristics of Category 1, which includes normal fetal heart rate patterns with moderate variability and the presence of accelerations.

Category 2 encompasses a wide range of fetal heart rate patterns that are indeterminate, which could mean either a reassuring pattern or the potential for issues if certain warning signs arise. In clinical practice, absent variability indicates that the fetal heart rate is not varying as it should, which could signal underlying issues, but as long as there are no recurrent decelerations (periodic decreases in the fetal heart rate), the situation is not dire enough to classify it as Category 3.

Category 3 includes abnormal fetal heart rate patterns such as recurrent late decelerations, recurrent variable decelerations, or a sinusoidal pattern, which are more concerning. Thus, absent variability without recurrent decelerations falls into Category 2, highlighting the need for further monitoring and potentially additional interventions while not being immediately alarming.