What is the normal fetal heart rate range for a healthy term fetus during intrapartum monitoring?

• A. 110-160 bpm
• B. 90-120 bpm
• C. 150-180 bpm
• D. 100-140 bpm

Answer: (A)

During intrapartum monitoring, you focus on the baseline fetal heart rate, which for a healthy term fetus is about 110 to 160 beats per minute. This range reflects normal autonomic regulation and sufficient oxygenation during labour. If the baseline stays persistently outside this window, it can signal potential issues: a rate consistently above 160 suggests tachycardia, which may be linked to fever, infection, anemia, or fetal distress; a rate consistently below 110 suggests bradycardia, which can be due to cord compression, placental insufficiency, or maternal hypotension. The baseline is determined over a 10-minute period, excluding accelerations and decelerations, to give a true average. This helps clinicians interpret the tracing and decide if further assessment or intervention is needed.