Fetal Heart Rate (FHR)

Definition

Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) is the heart rate of the fetus during pregnancy and labor, monitored externally (via ultrasound transducer) or internally (via fetal scalp electrode).

Normal and Abnormal Values

• Baseline: 110 to 160 bpm
• Tachycardia: >160 for more than 10 minutes
• Bradycardia: less than 110 for more than 10 minutes
• Variability: Moderate (6 to 25 bpm) is reassuring

Deceleration Patterns

• Early decelerations: Mirror contractions; caused by head compression; benign.
• Variable decelerations: V or U shaped; cord compression. Intervention: reposition, O2, notify if recurrent.
• Late decelerations: Start after contraction peak; uteroplacental insufficiency. EMERGENT. Turn to left side, O2 10 L NRB, stop oxytocin, notify provider.

VEAL CHOP Mnemonic

Variable-Cord compression; Early-Head compression; Accelerations-OK; Late-Placental insufficiency.

NCLEX Relevance

Late decelerations are emergent. Normal FHR 110 to 160 bpm.