What is the minimum increase in fetal heart rate (FHR) above the baseline to be considered an acceleration?

To determine what constitutes an acceleration in fetal heart rate (FHR), it is essential to understand the standard criteria established for this phenomenon. An acceleration is defined as an increase in the FHR above the baseline, with specific thresholds that must be met to be recognized as such.

For an acceleration to be classified appropriately, the increase must be at least 15 beats per minute (bpm) above the baseline for a duration of at least 15 seconds. This criterion is based on guidelines provided by organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and is widely accepted in clinical practice. These accelerations often indicate adequate fetal oxygenation and a healthy fetal response to stimuli or movement.

In the context of the provided options, this explanation aligns precisely with the specified increase of 15 bpm for 15 seconds, confirming that this is the minimum threshold to characterize an acceleration. Understanding this criterion is vital for those monitoring fetal heart rates, as it allows for the assessment of the fetus's well-being during labor and delivery.