5 - 6 wks preg. & almost 37y/o. U/s showed low heart rate of 80. Concerned?

[kelimcoleman]

I am between five to six weeks pregnant and just had my first u/s.  The baby's heart rate was low at 80 bpm. I am almost 37 y/o.  What is my % of having a health baby?  I am very concerned and know that stress is not good for the child.  Please advise ASAP.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
I am aware of one study that showed an increased rate of miscarriage in baby's with low heartbeats.  HOWEVER in my own personal experience, we have been seeing that so commonly in the VERY early pregnancies, that we consider it normal.  If slow at 5-6 weeks and speeds up by 7-8 (by then its usually 160 or so) we have had very good results with those pregnancies they seem to end in healthy babies!

Good luck and Congratulations!
Dr B

[kelimcoleman]

Thank you.  It turns out I was only 5 and a half weeks.  My 6 and a half week follow up went well the fetal heart rate is now 122 which I was told is on target.