In the FHR patterns mnemonic VEAL CHOPS, what does "LP" stand for?

• A. Late Placental
• B. Late decelerations
• C. Low pressure
• D. Lateral position

Answer: (B)

In the context of the Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) patterns mnemonic VEAL CHOPS, "LP" stands for late decelerations. This mnemonic helps healthcare professionals remember the correlation between different patterns of fetal heart rate decelerations (VEAL) and their possible causes (CHOPS).

Late decelerations are characterized by a gradual decrease in fetal heart rate that begins after a contraction has started and returns to baseline after the contraction ends. This pattern is often indicative of uteroplacental insufficiency, meaning that the fetus may not be getting enough oxygen due to issues with the placenta or umbilical cord. Recognizing late decelerations is crucial because they can signal fetal distress and may require timely interventions to prevent potential complications during labor.