What is the typical duration requirement for a deceleration to be classified as prolonged?

A deceleration is classified as prolonged when it lasts for longer than 2 minutes but less than 10 minutes. This classification is important in the context of fetal heart rate monitoring, as prolonged decelerations may indicate fetal distress or compromised blood flow and require prompt evaluation and intervention.

Understanding the specifics of deceleration duration helps clinicians make informed decisions regarding fetal well-being and potential need for delivery. A deceleration lasting longer than 2 minutes signals a need for further assessment, as it may pose risks to the fetus if left unmonitored, whereas durations less than this threshold typically do not elicit the same level of concern.