What is the normal average fetal heart rate?

The normal baseline fetal heart rate (FHR) during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy ranges from 110 to 160 beats per minute (bpm). This baseline is typically assessed over a 10-minute period, excluding periods of marked variability, accelerations, or decelerations. A sustained FHR below 110 bpm is classified as bradycardia, while a sustained rate above 160 bpm is termed tachycardia—both warrant clinical evaluation to identify potential maternal, fetal, or placental causes. It’s important to note that short-term fluctuations—including transient accelerations (often in response to fetal movement) and mild, brief decelerations—are common and generally reassuring. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) or intermittent auscultation may be used depending on risk status and gestational age, with interpretation always contextualized by maternal condition, gestational age, labor stage, and overall fetal well-being.