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Pregnancy (Expert Forum)
Low fetal heart rate
Answered by
Keith Downing, MD - Obstetrics, Gynecology
MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding pregnancy issues such as: Alcohol/Drugs, Bleeding, Caesarean Section, Childbirth, Diabetes, Depression, Fetal Monitoring, Genetic Testing, Hormonal Changes, Labor, Lamaze, Morning Sickness, Nutrition, Parenting, Prenatal Care, Weight gain.
Low fetal heart rate
by kristen113, Mar 20, 2008 01:38PM
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.
Doctor's Answer
by Keith Downing, MD, Mar 25, 2008 06:06PM
, Mar 25, 2008 06:06PM
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
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
Member Comments (2)
by crg098, Apr 07, 2008 11:05AM
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.
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