What is the normal fetal heart rate range?

The normal fetal heart rate range is typically between 110 to 160 beats per minute (bpm). This range reflects the expected physiological response of a healthy fetus during gestation, where the heart rate is influenced by factors like fetal activity, gestational age, and maternal health. Monitoring this heart rate is crucial in assessing fetal well-being during pregnancy and labor.

Heart rates below 110 bpm may indicate bradycardia, which can be associated with fetal distress, while rates above 160 bpm, known as tachycardia, may suggest issues such as maternal fever, infection, or complications like fetal anemia or hypoxia. Therefore, understanding the normal range helps healthcare providers identify potential complications early in the gestational period.