Birth defects (fetal heart rate and maternal age)

[sugamomma]

This pregnancy wasn't planned.  I am 39 years old.  I have been spotting for 2 weeks now.  The baby's heart rate was 97 bpm at 5 weeks 6 days.  I went for an ultrasound again today and the heart rate was 122 and 125 bpm at 7 weeks 1 day.  I was told this was in the normal range with the lower normal range being 120 bpm.  I have a younger sister that has Spina Bifida.  Luckily I take multivitamins but I am also a smoker and have cut down to less then 7 cigarettes a day and will quit at the end of this week.  As soon as I had a positive pregnancy test I upped my intake of folic acid.  I am very worried about chromosomal disorders and birth defects because of my age and want a healthy baby.  Does the baby having a low normal heart rate indicate any kind of birth defect?  

[IsabelleCanada]

Congratulations on this pregnancy sugamomma !

And good for you for quitting smoking... being selfless is an essential quality for being a great mom and you sound like you've got your priorities straight!

Stick with it and don't forget that you're not alone, we're here for you if you feel like you need to talk or vent or anything!!!

And don't be too worried about chromosomal issues; tell your doctor about your history and make sure he does an in-depth blood analysis AND NT scan at 12 weeks... you can also go the amnio route if you really need reassurance!






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[SoCalTricia]

Honestly, I don't think that regular sonograms are a problem at all. I'm almost 18 weeks pregnant, I'm 41, and I've had about 4-5 sonograms so far. I have another next week. It's the genetic specialist I'm seeing that is doing them, and I don't think he's be doing it if it was a danger. You said you have an ultrasound at 12 weeks...will that be the Nuchal Translucency test?

I agree with Amanda...the smoking, while definately not healthy, will not cause birth defects. Quit as soon as possible, but I wouldn't worry about it too much. Please keep us updated!

Tricia

[sugamomma]

I don't have another ultrasound until around 12 weeks to check for Down's syndrome, etc.  The Dr. mentioned amniocentesis because of my age.  I have decided against the amniocentesis.  I worry enough about all the ultrasounds which could cause problems they don't know about yet. I'm no longer spotting which is good.  LOL but because I quit smoking I have already gained around 14 pounds which is not good.  The only way they can check the heartbeat at 8 or 9 weeks is with an ultrasound and I have had 2 more then I should have because of the spotting so I will just let things be and try to keep the testing down to a minimum from here on out.  I will check out the heartbeat link and see what it says.

[YvetteY]

here's a link on EHR  

http://www.bellybeats.com/article_info.php?articles_id=3

[YvetteY]

oops...i meant Google "fetal bradycardia"

[YvetteY]

I don't think you have to worry about birth defects as that isn't so much of an issue as chromosomal anomalies at 39.  

Slow heart rates are cause for concern....so be on guard.   Google "fetal bradycarida" and look for "embryo heart beat charts" to know normal ranges.  

I think 122 to 125 is a good rate at 7 w.   If the HB was under 120 this would not be good.  At your 8wk visit you want to make sure the HB is no lower than 134 bpm.   Slower heart rates are associated with poor fetal outcome (which means miscarriage).

You were lucky to find a heart beat at 5w6d.   I think your fetal HB is within normal range...like right in the middle.    

Good luck and stay healthy.  Keep us posted.  Do you go in again for another ultrasound?  I would insist on it, especially if you are spotting.

[adgal]

HI there and welcome!!  To the best of my knowledge a low normal heart rate does not indicate a birth defect.  However, that really would be a good question to ask your Dr. as well, and I am sure many more of the ladies here will have better info on this then I do.  As far as I know the heart beat being in normal range is a really positive sign that all is well.  Smoking also does not cause birth defects, although it is certainly unhealthy, but you know that and good for you for quitting!!  I quit myself and I know how hard it is to do!  It sounds like you are doing all the right things for your baby!  Try not to worry to much about the spotting, many many women spot during first trimester, and have all turn out just fine.  That is also not a sign of birth defect.  

Congrats on your pregnancy, and all the best for a healthy remainder!!