What are the Common Abnormal Fetal Heart Rate Patterns?
Abnormal FHR patterns may indicate fetal distress and include: - Bradycardia: A FHR less than 110 bpm. - Tachycardia: A FHR greater than 160 bpm. - Late Decelerations: Decreases in FHR that begin after a contraction starts and return to baseline after the contraction ends, potentially indicating uteroplacental insufficiency. - Variable Decelerations: Abrupt decreases in FHR that vary in duration, intensity, and timing, often related to umbilical cord compression.
