Fetal heart rate

Fetal heart rate refers to the heart rate of a baby in the womb. It is one of the many indicators of a baby's health before birth. The normal range for a baby's heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute (bpm). This rate may change as the baby responds to conditions in the womb. An abnormal fetal heart rate or pattern may mean that the baby is not getting enough oxygen or there are other problems. An abnormal pattern also may mean that an emergency or C-section is needed.

Measurement

The fetal heart rate is typically measured during pregnancy by using a Doppler ultrasound device. This device sends high-frequency sound waves into the mother's abdomen. The sound waves bounce off the baby's heart and are picked up by the ultrasound device, which uses the sound waves to create a picture of the baby's heart rate.

Normal Range

The normal range for a fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute (bpm). However, this rate will change as the baby grows and develops. The heart rate may drop to as low as 110 bpm if the baby is very active. If the baby is quiet, the heart rate may rise to as high as 160 bpm.

Abnormalities

An abnormal fetal heart rate or pattern may indicate that the baby is not getting enough oxygen or there are other problems. Some of the conditions that can cause an abnormal fetal heart rate include premature birth, infection, placental abruption, and umbilical cord problems. An abnormal pattern may also indicate that an emergency or C-section is needed.

Treatment

If an abnormal fetal heart rate is detected, the doctor may recommend additional testing to determine the cause. This may include a biophysical profile or a nonstress test. If the baby is not getting enough oxygen, the doctor may recommend immediate delivery.

See Also

• Pregnancy
• Ultrasound
• C-section
• Premature birth
• Infection
• Placental abruption
• Umbilical cord
• Biophysical profile
• Nonstress test

Fetal heart rate Resources
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