Electronic Fetal Heart Monitoring
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Electronic Fetal Heart Monitoring
Results
Electronic fetal heart monitoring is done during pregnancy, labor, and delivery to keep track of the heart rate of your baby (fetus) and the strength and duration of the contractions of your uterus. The results of electronic fetal heart monitoring are usually available immediately.
| Normal: | Your baby's heart rate is between 120 to 160 beats per minute. |
|---|---|
Your baby's heart rate increases (accelerates) when he or she moves and when your uterus contracts. | |
Your baby's heart rate drops during a contraction but rapidly returns to normal after the contraction is over. | |
Uterine contractions during labor are strong and regular. | |
| Abnormal: | Your baby's heart rate is less than 120 beats per minute. |
Your baby's heart rate is more than 160 beats per minute. | |
During a nonstress test, your baby's heart rate does not increase by 15 beats per minute or drops far below its baseline rate (deceleration) after he or she moves. | |
During a contraction stress test, your baby's heart rate drops far below its baseline rate after each uterine contraction. | |
Uterine contractions are weak or irregular during labor. |
Last Updated:
June 28, 2008- Author:
- Sandy Jocoy, RN
- Medical Review:
- Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
