Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract–Based NCC C-EFM References:

NCC and NICHD differentiate:

Periodic decelerations – those occurring with contractions

Episodic decelerations – those occurring independent of contractions

Deceleration types:

Early – periodic (mirror contractions)

Late – periodic (after peak of contraction)

Variable – may be periodic or episodic, and are the only type strongly associated with episodic patterns**

Therefore, the only deceleration type that is characteristically episodic is a variable deceleration.

Correct answer: C. Variable deceleration