Significant fetal bradycardia during antepartum heart rate testing

Reviewed were 800 patients who underwent antepartum fetal heart rate testing. Significant fetal bradycardia (less than 90 beats per minute for longer than 50 seconds or a decrease of 40 beats per minute below baseline for longer than 50 seconds) was evaluated relative to its relationship to fetal outcome. Twelve fetuses exhibited significant bradycardia during monitoring. All of these babies, when delivered within a short period of time after the tracing, showed manifestations of ongoing intrauterine jeopardy. The finding of significant fetal bradycardia during antepartum testing should prompt further evaluation and consideration for delivery.