What type of decelerations occurs with at least 50% of uterine contractions within a 20-minute period?

Recurrent decelerations are defined as those that occur with at least 50% of uterine contractions within a 20-minute period. This pattern indicates a consistent association between the decelerations and uterine activity, particularly in relation to the fetal heart rate response to contractions.

When decelerations are classified as recurrent, they raise clinical concerns about potential fetal distress, as it suggests that the fetus is experiencing repeated compromised blood flow or oxygenation, typically associated with uteroplacental insufficiency. Monitoring these patterns is crucial for timely intervention to mitigate risks to the fetus.

In contrast to recurrent decelerations, other types of decelerations such as intermittent, late, and variable have different clinical implications and definitions that do not align with the criteria of occurring with a specific frequency relative to contractions.