Nonreassuring/Reassuring FHR Patterns

[Miley22]

What do the terms "Nonreassuring" and "Reassuring" FHR patterns mean? Can someone please explain these? Thank you so much!

[Mossback]

This subject is a good bit easier to understand if you can view FHR tracings, which are available online or in almost any obstetrics textbook. In the meantime, here's a thumbnail sketch of how the two terms are used:

Reassuring FHR patterns are those that are associated with fetal well-being and lack of acute distress. Reassuring FHR readings include periodic accelerations, mild variable decelerations lasting less than 30 seconds, or early decelerations that mirror contracitons in duration and timing.

Nonreassuring FHR patterns are those that suggest fetal compromise or a declining ability to cope with the stress of labor. Nonreassuring patterns include a significant decrease in baseline variability or baseline heart rate, progressive fetal tachycardia or bradycardia, persistent late decelerations, or recurrent late return to baseline after decelerations.

Hope this helps!

[Miley22]

thank you so much!