Rapid Heartbeat, Concerning for Expectant Mothers
The rapid heartbeat of a fetus, whether normal or abnormal, is one of the indicators used to assess a baby’s health during pregnancy. Let’s explore what constitutes a normal fetal heartbeat and what might be considered abnormal.
Fetal heartbeat monitoring is a common test performed by obstetricians during pregnancy and labor. It helps doctors assess whether the fetal heartbeat is within a normal range or experiencing significant fluctuations.
Fetal heartbeat monitoring typically begins early in pregnancy and continues throughout prenatal visits until delivery. Abnormal heartbeats may not be noticeable to the mother and may require a doctor’s examination to be detected.
Why is Fetal Heartbeat Monitoring Necessary?
Monitoring the fetal heartbeat involves tracking the speed and pattern of the baby’s heartbeat. According to Verywell Health, the average fetal heart rate ranges from 110 to 160 beats per minute.
Through fetal heartbeat monitoring, healthcare providers can determine if the baby’s heartbeat is too high, too low, or experiencing significant changes. Moderate fluctuations, ranging from 6 to 25 beats per minute over a 10-minute period, are considered normal.
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An abnormal fetal heartbeat could indicate that the fetus is not receiving sufficient oxygen or may have other issues. If a doctor identifies such a problem, additional tests or emergency delivery may be necessary.
Normal Fetal Heartbeat According to the American Pregnancy Association, the average fetal heart rate varies depending on the stage of pregnancy.
Here is a general overview of normal fetal heartbeats:
- Weeks 5 to 7: The fetal heart begins to develop around the fifth week of pregnancy. During this early stage, the heart rate starts at a slow pace, ranging from 90 to 110 beats per minute.
- Weeks 8 to 12: The heart rate increases in weeks 8 and 9, averaging between 140 to 170 beats per minute. By week 12, it slightly decreases.
- Weeks 13 to 26: During this period, the average fetal heart rate ranges from 110 to 160 beats per minute.
- Weeks 27 to 40: In the final trimester, the fetal heart rate remains in the range of 110 to 160 beats per minute. However, during the last 10 weeks, it may slightly decrease. Generally, the heartbeat tends to move towards the lower end of this range as the due date approaches.
Abnormal Fetal Heartbeat
An abnormal fetal heartbeat is a sign of potential issues during pregnancy. Some signs of an abnormal fetal heartbeat include:
1. Bradycardia
This is when the fetal heart rate slows down, dropping below 110 beats per minute. Fetal bradycardia is rare during pregnancy and is typically temporary. However, prolonged bradycardia may indicate fetal problems or disruptions in electrical signaling in the heart. Treatment may not be necessary, but in some cases, medical intervention such as medication or premature birth may be required.
2. Tachycardia
Tachycardia occurs when the fetal heart rate is faster than 160 beats per minute. This condition is also rare and usually temporary. Prolonged tachycardia or recurring episodes could indicate fetal issues or infections. Tachycardia may improve on its own or require treatment with medication to lower the heart rate. In some cases, mothers may need to stay in the hospital for monitoring, and some babies may require further care after birth.
What Causes an Abnormal Fetal Heartbeat?
An abnormal fetal heartbeat can occur due to various reasons, including the baby’s movements in the mother’s womb. While not always harmful, it can sometimes raise concerns about the baby’s health.
Depending on the stage of pregnancy, different tests may be used to understand the reasons behind an abnormal fetal heartbeat. Abnormal fetal heartbeats can be associated with factors within the mother’s body, known as maternal causes. These factors may include:
- Anxiety
- Blood sugar levels
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Infection
- Low red blood cell count (anemia)
- Maternal consumption of medications, caffeine, or nicotine
- Thyroid gland issues
Methods of Fetal Heartbeat Monitoring
There are two different methods for checking the fetal heartbeat: external monitoring and internal monitoring.
1. External Monitoring
External monitoring involves checking the fetal heartbeat through the mother’s abdomen. One example of external monitoring is the Doppler machine, which can be used during prenatal visits or labor.
- Fetoscope: This instrument is similar to a stethoscope used by healthcare providers to listen to the baby’s heartbeat and lungs. It has a conical end, which is pressed against the mother’s abdomen to listen to the fetal heartbeat.
- Portable Doppler Ultrasonography: This method uses sound waves to measure the baby’s heart rate. Healthcare providers often use portable Doppler ultrasound devices during prenatal visits. They apply gel to the mother’s abdomen and place a probe in the gel, which detects the fetal heartbeat and displays the results on a screen.
- Continuous Doppler Ultrasonography: In this method, the ultrasound device is placed on the mother’s abdomen using an elastic band. Another band holds an instrument that measures contractions. Cables from these instruments are connected to a monitor that provides continuous readings of the fetal heartbeat.
2. Internal Monitoring
Internal monitoring involves the use of thin wires and electrodes placed through the cervix and attached to the baby’s scalp. This technique is typically considered only after the mother’s amniotic sac has ruptured, or the cervix has dilated or fully dilated. It provides more precise readings unaffected by the baby’s movements.
Generally, fetal heartbeat monitoring is safe. However, most experts believe that continuous monitoring is not necessary to prevent unwanted complications during pregnancy.
Ensure that both expectant parents follow the recommended prenatal check-ups as advised by the obstetrician. If any dangerous signs of pregnancy are observed, contact a doctor or the nearest hospital immediately.
Now, if you, as expectant parents, have information to share about pregnancy programs or fertility for other aspiring parents, please feel free to do so. Don’t forget to share this article!
