In order for a change in baseline fetal heart rate to be classified as a new baseline, it must be maintained for how long?

A change in baseline fetal heart rate is classified as a new baseline when it is sustained for at least 10 minutes. This duration is significant because it establishes that the change is not simply a fleeting response to acute stimuli or temporary fluctuations, but rather a consistent alteration that may reflect underlying physiological changes in the fetus or maternal status. A period of 10 minutes allows for an accurate assessment of the fetal heart rate trends, which is crucial for determining the health and well-being of the fetus and guiding clinical decisions. A shorter duration could lead to misinterpretations of transient variations, potentially resulting in unnecessary interventions or mismanagement.