Intrapartum Abnormal Fetal HR Tracing - Causes of Bradycardia and Tachycardia - Differential Diagnosis Algorithm

Maternal Bradycardia:

 • Hypotension

 • Drug response

 • Maternal position

 • Connective tissue disease with congenital heart block (e.g. SLE)

Fetal Bradycardia:

 • Umbilical cord occlusion

 • Fetal hypoxia/acidosis

 • Vagal stimulation (e.g. chronic head compression)

 • Fetal cardiac conduction or structural defect

Maternal Tachycardia:

 • Fever

 • Infection

 • Dehydration

 • Hyperthyroidism

 • Endogenous adrenaline or anxiety

 • Drug response

 • Anemia

Fetal Tachycardia:

 • Infection

 • Prolonged fetal activity or stimulation

 • Chronic hypoxemia

 • Cardiac abnormalities

 • Congenital anomalies

 • Anemia



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