Fetal bradycardia defined as baseline FHR for more than 10 minutes?

• A. Baseline FHR less than 100 bpm for more than 5 minutes
• B. Baseline FHR less than 115 bpm for more than 15 minutes
• C. Baseline FHR less than 110 bpm for more than 10 minutes
• D. Baseline FHR less than 120 bpm for more than 30 minutes

Answer: (C)

Fetal bradycardia is a persistent baseline fetal heart rate below 110 beats per minute for at least 10 minutes. Baseline FHR is the average rate over a 10-minute window, excluding short-term fluctuations like accelerations or brief decelerations. When the rate stays at or below 110 for 10 minutes or longer, it signals potential fetal distress and calls for close assessment and monitoring.

The choice that fits this definition is a baseline under 110 bpm for more than 10 minutes. The other options don’t fit because they either use an incorrect threshold (115 or 120) or a duration shorter or longer than the standard 10-minute minimum.