What could a consistent high baseline fetal heart rate indicate?

A consistent high baseline fetal heart rate can be indicative of various issues that may require further evaluation. In this context, a high baseline heart rate—typically defined as greater than 160 beats per minute—may suggest a possible fetal infection or other underlying conditions. Conditions such as maternal fever, chorioamnionitis, or fetal stress from hypoxia can lead to tachycardia, reflecting the fetus's response to stressors.

While fetal sleep cycles and increased fetal activity can influence heart rate patterns, they typically do not result in a consistently high baseline heart rate. A normal adult pregnancy should not be associated with a consistently elevated fetal heart rate, as the expected baseline generally remains between 110 and 160 beats per minute. Thus, a consistently high baseline is concerning and warrants investigation into potential infections or other health issues affecting the fetus.