Final answer:
The expected heart rate pattern for a fetus at 44 weeks gestation should be between 110 to 160 beats per minute. Abnormal patterns may indicate distress and necessitate emergency delivery interventions.
Step-by-step explanation:
A fetus at 44 weeks gestation is considered to be post-term, as a full-term pregnancy is usually between 37 and 42 weeks. The fetal heart rate pattern at this stage should be closely monitored due to the increased risks associated with post-term pregnancies.
Typically, a healthy fetal heart rate should range from 110 to 160 beats per minute; however, certain factors such as hypoxia, which can result from severe contractions that are too powerful or lengthy, may affect the fetal heart rate. In such cases, it is critical to monitor for signs of fetal distress.