What is the expected heart rate of a healthy newborn?

The expected heart rate of a healthy newborn typically ranges from 120 to 160 beats per minute. This range is indicative of the newborn's physiological status and is considered normal for a resting infant. A heart rate within this range suggests good cardiovascular function and adequate perfusion, essential for the newborn's adaptation to life outside the womb.

At birth, a newborn's heart rate may be slightly elevated due to the stress of delivery and immediate adjustment to extrauterine life. However, it usually stabilizes within the normal range shortly after birth. This benchmark is important for healthcare providers who assess a newborn's health status, and deviations from this norm can be indicative of potential health concerns.

Heart rates outside this range, such as the lower end of the spectrum (80-100 beats per minute) or the higher end (160-180 beats per minute), are not typical for a healthy newborn and may warrant further evaluation. Understanding these norms is crucial in monitoring a newborn's well-being in the early days of life.