What is fetal tachycardia?

Fetal tachycardia is defined as a sustained fetal heart rate that exceeds 160 beats per minute. This condition can indicate various underlying issues including maternal fever, fetal infection, or less commonly, fetal dehydration or hypoxia. It is important for healthcare providers to recognize fetal tachycardia during monitoring as it may warrant further evaluation and intervention to ensure fetal well-being.

In contrast, a sustained fetal heart rate less than 110 beats per minute would suggest bradycardia, which poses different clinical concerns. A heart rate deceleration during contractions is a sign of fetal response to stress rather than an overall heart rate condition, and fluctuation in the baseline heart rate refers to variability, which is a normal physiological response. Thus, understanding the specific criteria for fetal tachycardia is crucial in providing appropriate care during labor and delivery.