Electronic Fetal Heart Monitoring
Results
Electronic fetal heart monitoring is done during pregnancy, labor, and delivery to keep track of the heart rate of your baby (Reference fetus Opens New Window) and the strength and duration of the contractions of your Reference uterus Opens New Window. The results of electronic fetal heart monitoring are usually available immediately.
| Normal: |
Your baby's heart rate is 110 to 160 beats per minute. |
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Your baby's heart rate increases (accelerates) when he or she moves and when your uterus contracts. |
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Your baby's heart rate drops during a contraction but rapidly returns to normal after the contraction is over. |
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Uterine contractions during labor are strong and regular. |
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| Abnormal: |
Your baby's heart rate is less than 110 beats per minute. |
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Your baby's heart rate is more than 160 beats per minute. |
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During a Reference nonstress test, your baby's heart rate does not increase by 15 beats per minute or drops far below its baseline rate (deceleration) after he or she moves. |
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Uterine contractions are weak or irregular during labor. |
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference June 18, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference William Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine |
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