I had the exact same thing happen with this preg. It started at 16 weeks also and lasted about 3 weeks. I have my own doppler and checked the Hb frequently. I was sorta panicked when our babys heartbeat was skipping too. It sounded like the following.
Boom, boom,boom, skip, boom, boom, skip, boom boom boom, skip, boom boom. REPEAT
I brought this up with my doc who finally was able to hear it on he doppler also. She said at that stage of preg that it is NORMAL that babys have irregular heartbeats. At my 20 week Ultrasound, I told the tech that my doc wanted her to check the heart really thoroughly. If the tech saw antyhing out of the norm, then I was to go see a cardio person at the childrens hosp. The heartbeat regulated itself by the 20th week.
I have to admit that I was pretty worried about my babys heartbeat but I know that the baby is sooo little and still developing that I told myself I would give it to the week 20 and then worry when there is reason to worry.
You have nothing to worry about and lemme tell you that three High Risk docs all told me that irregular heartbeats are normal at that stage of preg :) The docs really did reassure me and I am sure they would tell you the same thing. This was the one time I HATED the doppler. Most ppl would not even know about this with their pregs. The good thing is ...THE BABY HAS A HEARTBEAT! :)
Good luck and try to remain calm for your little bean!
personally i think that a babys heart is in the works and that its should be no cause for alarm, express it to your midwife next time and she what she says!!! or when you have your next ultrasound have them check it GOOD, i know when i listen to my babys heartbeat at home, it does random things either because the baby moves or because i can hear the swish of the bloodflow next to the baby!!
expresss your concern next time you see your midwife...I'm sure that if there was a problem she'd let you know right away. msg me if you need to talk....I have 3 little one.Congratulations & Good Luck!!!!
many babies have irregular heartbeats......... stop obcessing over it!!! youll worry yourself into premature labor!!
I wouldn't worry if the midwife isn't concerned.