fetal bradycardia
Abnormally slow fetal heart rate, typically defined as sustained rate below 110 beats per minute.
Full Definition
Fetal bradycardia is defined as a sustained fetal heart rate below 110 beats per minute for more than 10 minutes. It can indicate fetal hypoxia, cord compression, maternal hypotension, or congenital heart block. Causes range from benign (maternal position, medications) to serious (placental abruption, cord prolapse). Assessment requires evaluation of baseline heart rate, variability, and associated factors. Persistent bradycardia often necessitates immediate delivery, while transient episodes may resolve with maternal position changes or other interventions.
Usage
Usage note: Specify duration and associated findings; distinguish from brief decelerations which are normal variants.
In Context
- "Continuous monitoring revealed persistent fetal bradycardia with heart rate of 95 bpm." — Labor and delivery note
- "Maternal repositioning failed to resolve the fetal bradycardia, prompting emergency cesarean delivery." — Operative report