Explore chapters on abnormal rate and rhythm, fetal tachycardia and fetal bradycardia.
Abnormal Beats
Fetal arrhythmias are broadly categorized into irregular rhythm, bradycardia and tachycardia. Irregular beats include mainly premature atrial contractions and premature ventricular contractions.
Fetal Tachycardia
The normal fetal heart rate ranges from 110-180 beats per minute (bpm) and decreases with gestational age. Fetal tachycardia is defined as a fetal heart rate > 180 bpm.
Fetal Bradycardia
Bradycardia is a persistent fetal heart rate of less than 110 bpm.