Fetal Heart Rate
Baseline Fetal Heart Rate
- Baseline rate is the average FHR observed during a 10-minute period of monitoring. The baseline rate must be for a minimum of two minutes in the 10-minute segment.The baseline FHR is measured between uterine contractions and periodic changes.
- A normal baseline rate is 110 to 160 beats per minute (see picture below).
Fetal Tachycardia
- Baseline fetal heart rate is greater than 160 beats per minute (see picture below).
- Moderate tachycardia is 160-180 beats per minute.
- Marked tachycardia is greater than 180 beats per minute minute.
- Tachycardia is considered an ominous sign if it is seen along with late decelerations, severe variable decelerations, or decreased variability.
Fetal Bradycardia
- Baseline fetal heart rate is less than 160 beats per minute (see picture below).
- Moderate bradycardia is 160-180 beats per minute.
- Marked bradycardia is greater than 180 beats per minute minute.
- Bradycardia may be a benign or ominous sign. If bradycardia occurs with long term variability, it is considered benign. If bradycardia is accompanied by decreased variability and late decelerations, it is considered a sign of nonreassuring fetal status.
References:
Mladenka, T. (2012). Women in reproductive years orientation packet [PowerPoint Slides]
London, M. L., Ladewig, P. W., Ball, J. W., Bindler R. C., & Cowen, K. J. (2011). Intrapartal nursing assessment. Maternal and child nursing care (3rd ed.) (pp.386-409). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson
Mladenka, T. (2012). Women in reproductive years orientation packet [PowerPoint Slides]
London, M. L., Ladewig, P. W., Ball, J. W., Bindler R. C., & Cowen, K. J. (2011). Intrapartal nursing assessment. Maternal and child nursing care (3rd ed.) (pp.386-409). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson