A fetal acceleration on a fetal heart rate tracing is defined as an increase above baseline lasting which duration?

A fetal acceleration on a fetal heart rate tracing is defined as an increase above baseline lasting which duration?

• A. 60 seconds
• B. 15 seconds
• C. 15 minutes
• D. 5 seconds

Answer: (B)

An acceleration is a brief, abrupt rise in the fetal heart rate above the baseline, indicating reassuring fetal status. The defining duration is at least 15 seconds, with the heart rate typically increasing by at least 15 beats per minute above baseline. If it lasts longer than about 2 minutes, it’s considered a prolonged acceleration, and if it persists well beyond that, it may reflect a baseline change. So the minimum duration that defines an acceleration is 15 seconds, making that the correct criterion.

An acceleration is a brief, abrupt rise in the fetal heart rate above the baseline, indicating reassuring fetal status. The defining duration is at least 15 seconds, with the heart rate typically increasing by at least 15 beats per minute above baseline. If it lasts longer than about 2 minutes, it’s considered a prolonged acceleration, and if it persists well beyond that, it may reflect a baseline change. So the minimum duration that defines an acceleration is 15 seconds, making that the correct criterion.