OB - Ch 16 Fetal Assessment During Labor

Visually apparent abrupt increase in the FHR of 15 beats per minute or greater above the baseline, which lasts 15 seconds or more with return to baseline less than 2 minutes from the beginning of the increase.

Visually apparent gradual decrease in and return to baseline FHR in response to transient fetal head compression during a uterine contraction

Expected irregular fluctuations in the baseline FHR as a result in the interaction between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system

Visually apparent gradual decrease in and return to baseline FHR in presonse to uteroplacental insufficiency resulting in a transient disruption of O2 transfer to the fetus; lowest point occurs after the peak of the contraction and baseline rate is not usually regained until the uterine contraction is over.

Visually abrupt decrease in FHR below baseline of 15 beats or more, lasting 15 seconds and returning to baseline in less than 2 minutes from the time of onset, which can occur at any time during a contraction as a result of umbilical cord compression.

Persistent baseline FHR greater than 160 bpm

Persistent baseline FHR less than 110 bpm

Avg FHR during a 10-minute segment that excludes accelerations, decelerations and periods of uterine activity or between contracitions.