What does a fetal heart rate of less than 100 bpm indicate in the Apgar assessment?

A fetal heart rate of less than 100 beats per minute, particularly when evaluated as part of the Apgar assessment, indicates moderate distress. The Apgar score is a quick method for assessing the health of newborns at one and five minutes after birth, evaluating aspects such as heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex response, and skin color.

In the context of heart rate, a normal range is between 120 and 160 bpm. A heart rate below this threshold suggests that the baby may be experiencing some degree of stress during or immediately after the delivery. While it does not indicate immediate life-threatening conditions, a heart rate under 100 bpm reflects a need for close monitoring, as it signals that the baby's oxygenation or overall well-being might be compromised.

A score reflecting moderate distress highlights the possibility that, while the newborn is not in critical condition, their vital signs are concerning enough to require further assessment and intervention if necessary. This situation can be addressed with supportive care and monitoring, differentiating it from severe distress or the need for immediate resuscitation, which would have more critical heart rate thresholds.