Final answer:
A change in baseline Fetal Heart Rate must be maintained for at least 10 minutes to be considered a new baseline. The Apgar score, which includes an assessment of the newborn's heart rate, helps determine the newborn's health at 1 and 5 minutes after birth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the determination of a new baseline Fetal Heart Rate (FHR). According to standard medical practices, a change in the baseline FHR must be maintained for at least 10 minutes to be considered a new baseline FHR. This assessment is crucial for monitoring fetal well-being during labor, as significant deviations from normal FHR patterns can indicate fetal distress and the need for medical intervention.
During the birthing process, healthcare providers will utilize various metrics such as the Apgar score, which is an assessment of the newborn's physical condition at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth. This scoring system evaluates five criteria: skin color, heart rate, reflexes, muscle tone, and respiration. These criteria are essential for determining the immediate health status of the newborn and the potential need for further medical care.