Final answer:
Variable decelerations can indeed be non-periodic and occur at times unrelated to contractions. They are characterized by a decrease in the fetal heart rate during labor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Variable decelerations can indeed be non-periodic and occur at times unrelated to contractions. They are characterized by a decrease in the fetal heart rate during labor. These decelerations can be caused by various factors such as umbilical cord compression or placental insufficiency.
For example, if the umbilical cord gets compressed for a brief period, it can cause a deceleration in the fetal heart rate. This deceleration may not necessarily coincide with contractions and can happen at any time during labor.
Therefore, the statement 'Variable decelerations can also be non-periodic, occurring at times unrelated to contractions' is true.