What is the normal fetal heart rate (FHR)?

Correct option is C

Sol. The normal fetal heart rate (FHR) ranges between 120-160 beats per minute (bpm). The fetal heart starts beating around 5-6 weeks of gestation, and the heart rate varies throughout pregnancy. A FHR below 110 bpm is considered fetal bradycardia, while FHR above 160 bpm is termed fetal tachycardia, both of which may indicate fetal distress.
Explanation of each option:
· (a) 60-80 per minute – Too low for a fetus; this heart rate is typical for an adult, not a fetus. Such a low fetal heart rate may indicate severe fetal distress or intrauterine demise.
· (b) 100-120 per minute – This is slightly below normal and may suggest early bradycardia, which requires monitoring.
· (c) 120-160 per minute – Correct answer. This is the normal FHR range observed via Doppler ultrasound or fetal monitoring.
· (d) 160-180 per minute – A FHR above 160 bpm is fetal tachycardia, which may indicate maternal fever, fetal hypoxia, or infections, and requires evaluation.