Fetal Heart Rate in Pregnancy: What It Means and What It Doesn't
A fetal heartbeat (detectable by ultrasound ~6–7 weeks, Doppler ~10–12 weeks) confirms cardiac activity but does not predict labor onset or timing.
Normal Fetal Heart Rate (FHR)
- Baseline: 110–160 bpm
- Variability: 5–25 bpm (healthy)
- Accelerations: reassuring
- Decelerations: context-dependent (early/late/variable)
FHR varies with gestational age, fetal activity, maternal position, and uterine contractions. It is monitored during prenatal visits and labor for well-being, not as a labor predictor.
If you have pregnancy concerns, contact your obstetric provider for proper assessment.
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