Table 2 The definition of three categories of fetal status (normal, suspicious and pathology) according to the FIGO guidelines

Baseline

Between 110 and 150 bpm

Between 100 and 110 bpm or between 150 and 170 bpm

Below 100 or above 170 bpm

Variablity

Between 5 and 25 bpm

Amplitude of variability between 5 and 10 bpm for more than 40 s

Persistence of heart rate variability of less than 5 bpm for more than 40 s

Others

Increased variability above 25 bpm; Variable decelerations

Severe variable decelerations or severe repetitive early decelerations; Prolonged decelerations; Late decelerations: the most ominous trace is a steady baseline without baseline variability and with small decelerations after each contraction; A sinusoidal pattern