Low fetal heart rate

[kristen113]

I was in the ER today for some cramping and light bleeding. They said that I am 5 weeks 6 days along and they found a fetal heart rate. The fetal heart rate was 97 and my hcg level is 32367 should I be concernd at all about the low heart rate. And could you tell me why this happens or what is going on with my baby.

[crg098]

My baby's heart rate was 97bpm at 5 weeks, 6 days and he's currently kicking me in the ribs (I'm now 32w3d). I was worried sick for that whole week that I was going to have my third miscarriage but by the next ultrasound at 6w5d, it was 125bpm. It eventually got as high as the 180s.

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

I can't tell you why a slow fetal heart was found but I can provide some insight on what it might mean.  A fetal heart rate below 100 beats per minute (bpm) at 5 to 7 weeks of gestation is considered slow.   Higher rates of fetal loss are associated with lower fetal heart rates; survival is zero at heart rates below 85 bpm at 6 to 8 weeks of gestation.  That said a normal heart rate (110s-160s)  by 8 weeks gestation confers a much better prognosis.  A repeat sonogram to detect the fetal heart in 3-4 weeks will be helpful.

Best regards,

Dr. Downing