<prompt> Early deceleration denotes:Head compressionCord compressionPlacental insufficiencyFetal distress  <response>: Ans. is a, i.e. Head compressionRef. Dutta Obs. 9e, p 569Deceleration is defined as a decrease in fetal heart rate below the base line by 15 beats per minute or more. Three basic patterns of deceleration are observed, each of which has a diagnostic significance:FHR patternFeatureSeen inEarly decelerationDeceleration coincidences with a contraction Uniform onset, i.e. gradual takes 30 sec and recovery Magnitude rarely 40 bpmHead compressionNot associated with fetal hypoxiaLate decelerationBegins at or after the contraction peak and touches baseline only after contraction Uniform onset, i.e. gradual takes 30 secs and recoveryMay be of low magnitude 10-20 bpmUteroplacental insufficiency, Fetal hypoxia. It is an ominous findingVariable decelerationVariable relationship to contraction Ragged waveform. Abrupt in onset 30 sec Variable magnitudeUmbilical cord compression MC type of deceleration 