? for a friend who is 39w 2d - low fetal heartrate

MJN9510

So, I am just curious what you guys think.  My friend is 39W2D preg and is having a fetal stress test right now.  She is 1 cm dilated and dr said fetal heartrate is low at 117.  Baby's has always been in the 140's - 150's.  I thought heartrate always drops a little when you are getting ready to go into labor.  But the dr is concerned.  Obviously the dr knows better than I do.  Dr said if the stress test comes back low they will induce immediately.  I would think that if the heartrate is low, they would need to take baby right away and just do it c section.  I didnt realize it was safe to let her go through labor.  Anyone else go through this?