In NST interpretation, what is the normal baseline fetal heart rate range?

In NST interpretation, what is the normal baseline fetal heart rate range?

• A. 90-110
• B. 100-140
• C. 110-160
• D. 130-170

Answer: (C)

In NST interpretation, the baseline fetal heart rate is the average rate over a 10-minute tracing, excluding accelerations and decelerations. The normal baseline falls between 110 and 160 beats per minute. This range is used because it reflects typical fetal autonomic control and tolerates normal variations from sleep states and maternal factors. Baseline below 110 suggests bradycardia, while baseline above 160 suggests tachycardia, both of which warrant further assessment. So 110-160 is the standard normal range. The other ranges would misclassify normal variations or include abnormal levels as normal.

In NST interpretation, the baseline fetal heart rate is the average rate over a 10-minute tracing, excluding accelerations and decelerations. The normal baseline falls between 110 and 160 beats per minute. This range is used because it reflects typical fetal autonomic control and tolerates normal variations from sleep states and maternal factors. Baseline below 110 suggests bradycardia, while baseline above 160 suggests tachycardia, both of which warrant further assessment. So 110-160 is the standard normal range. The other ranges would misclassify normal variations or include abnormal levels as normal.