FAU Advanced Health Assessment 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The fetal heart rate for a typical healthy fetus during the second trimester is generally understood to be between 140 and 160 beats per minute (bpm). This range is considered normal and indicative of a stable and healthy fetal condition.

During pregnancy, various factors can influence fetal heart rate, but the 140-160 bpm range is commonly accepted in clinical practice as the baseline for assessing fetal well-being. It reflects adequate oxygenation and the fetus's positive response to the intrauterine environment.

Heart rates significantly lower than this range might indicate potential concerns, such as inadequate oxygenation, while rates higher than this may also raise flags for conditions requiring further assessment. Understanding these norms is crucial for healthcare providers as they monitor the health of the fetus throughout pregnancy.