What is indicated by a decrease in fetal heart rate (FHR) of 15 bpm lasting longer than 2 minutes?

A decrease in fetal heart rate (FHR) of 15 bpm lasting longer than 2 minutes is indicative of fetal distress. This type of change in FHR typically suggests that the fetus may be experiencing stress or hypoxia, as the heart rate is a crucial indicator of fetal well-being. When the FHR drops significantly for an extended period, it could reflect issues such as umbilical cord compression, placental insufficiency, or other complications that may impair oxygen delivery to the fetus.

Prompt recognition of such changes in FHR is essential for timely intervention, which might include repositioning the mother, administering oxygen, or, in more severe cases, preparing for a rapid delivery if the situation warrants it. Monitoring the fetal heart rate is a key aspect of prenatal care and labor management because it provides vital information about the fetal status and the overall health of the pregnancy.