Which fetal heart rate reading is within a normal range for a term fetus?

• A. 60 bpm
• B. 110 bpm
• C. 180 bpm
• D. 200 bpm

Answer: (B)

Fetal heart rate for a term fetus must stay within a normal window, not too slow and not too fast. This baseline reflects adequate oxygenation and stable autonomic control. When the rate drops into bradycardia territory, it can signal problems like compromised placental blood flow. When it climbs into tachycardia territory, it can indicate distress, infection, or other issues. The reading at the lower end of the normal window fits, showing a healthy baseline for a term baby. The other two high readings are clearly tachycardic, and the very slow reading is bradycardic, so they fall outside the normal range.