Variable Deceleration

**Semantic type:** Finding

**Definition:** An abrupt decrease in the fetal heart rate below baseline that lasts 15 seconds to less than two minutes. The decrease from baseline fetal heart rate is greater than or equal to 15 beats per minute, and the time from onset to nadir of the deceleration is less than 30 seconds. Variable fetal heart rate decelerations that are associated with successive uterine contractions commonly have varying onsets, depths, and durations.

**Synonyms:** - Finding of Variable Deceleration - Variable Fetal Heart Rate Deceleration - Variable Fetal Heart Rate Deceleration