How is bradycardia defined in the context of fetal heart rate?

Bradycardia in the context of fetal heart rate is defined as a heart rate below 100 beats per minute (BPM). This definition is important for midwives and healthcare providers as it indicates a potential concern for fetal well-being. A heart rate in this range suggests that the fetus may be experiencing some form of stress or compromise, which can trigger further assessment and intervention.

Knowing the specific threshold of bradycardia at under 100 BPM helps differentiate it from normal fetal heart rate patterns. A normal fetal heart rate typically ranges from 120 to 160 BPM, so recognizing when the heart rate falls below 100 BPM is crucial for monitoring and decision-making during labor and delivery.

Other thresholds mentioned in the options, such as a heart rate below 120 BPM, below 80 BPM, or below 60 BPM, do not correspond to the accepted clinical definition of bradycardia and represent either normal variations or more severe bradycardia that are not specifically classified as bradycardia in standard obstetric practice.