Final answer:
Variable Decelerations on Fetal Heart Tracings are caused by disruptions in oxygenated blood flow to the fetus, often due to umbilical cord issues or severe contractions, and can indicate fetal distress.
Step-by-step explanation:
The typical causes of Variable Decelerations in Fetal Heart Tracings are primarily related to changes in the oxygen flow to the fetus. Each contraction during labor reduces the oxygenated blood flow to the fetus, necessitating a period of relaxation afterward to restore this flow. If contractions are too strong or too long, the fetus may not receive enough oxygen, leading to variable decelerations in heart rate, which can indicate fetal distress. This can be caused by issues such as umbilical cord compression, cord prolapse, or other complications that affect the umbilical flow.
Risks that can increase the occurrence of variable decelerations include a short umbilical cord, oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid), maternal hypertension, and rapid labor. If severe, these variable decelerations might prompt emergency interventions such as vacuum-assisted births, forceps deliveries, or a Caesarian section.