How is an acceleration defined in fetal heart tracing?

An acceleration in fetal heart tracing is characterized by an abrupt increase in fetal heart rate (FHT) that occurs in response to fetal activity or stimuli. Specifically, an acceleration is defined as an increase of at least 15 beats per minute from the baseline FHT that lasts for at least 15 seconds. This response is generally considered a sign of fetal well-being and indicates that the fetus is receiving adequate oxygen and is neurologically intact.

During pregnancy and labor, monitoring fetal heart rate patterns can provide crucial information about the status of the fetus. Accelerations are associated with positive outcomes and are typically seen when the fetus is active or in response to uterine contractions. Conversely, options that refer to decreases or abrupt decreases in fetal heart rate indicate fetal distress, which is a concern and typically prompts further monitoring or intervention. Gradual changes in FHT are also important but denote different patterns that are not classified as accelerations. Therefore, recognizing accelerations is vital in assessing fetal health and guiding clinical decisions during labor.