What is characterized as bradycardia in fetal heart rate monitoring?

Bradycardia in fetal heart rate monitoring is defined as a sustained fetal heart rate falling below 110 beats per minute (bpm) for a duration of greater than or equal to 10 minutes. This definition is significant because fetal heart rate patterns are crucial indicators of fetal well-being during labor and can signal potential distress or anomalies if prolonged.

Monitoring for bradycardia is essential for healthcare providers as it may prompt further investigation and intervention to ensure the health and safety of the fetus. A heart rate below 110 bpm indicates that the fetus may not be getting enough oxygen, which could be caused by various factors such as umbilical cord compression or issues with the placenta.

It's important to recognize the thresholds that define bradycardia so medical professionals can respond appropriately to protect fetal health. The other choices do not align with the standard definition of fetal bradycardia, which is specifically centered around a heart rate of less than 110 bpm for a sustained period.