What is considered to be a normal heart rate of the fetus?

Normal heart rate of the fetus is usually measured to determine whether the fetus develops normally in the womb. If the heart rate of the fetus in pregnancy is unusually low, it could be a sign of imminent abortion. Slow or irregular heart rate of the fetus does not always mean imminent abortion, but doctors may want to monitor fetal development more closely if fetal frequency abnormalities are detected. The normal heart rate of the fetus may vary somewhat throughout the pregnancy phase, but the average fetus has a heart rate of about 85 rhythms per minute (BPM) when the heart first starts to beat after five weeks of pregnancy. The heart rate of the fetus can speed up up to 175 bpm by nine weeks of pregnancy, after which the normal heart rate of the fetus can be anywhere from 120 to 180 bpm, until the last ten weeks of pregnancy, when the normal heart rate is approximately twice as fast as its mother. Normally developing fetus has a general heart rate anywhere from 120 to 180 BPM and the doctor can stimulate the fetal movement to see if the heart rate increases. A slight increase in the heart rate of the fetus immediately after the fetal movement is considered normal and the sign that the fetus is developing properly. The uterine contractions can cause a slight reduction in the heart rate of the fetus, which is also considered normal.

Abnormal heart rate of the fetus could be a sign of fetal anxiety or abnormal fetal development. Cardiac problems, umbilical cord compression and insufficient fetal oxygen supply could cause abnormalities at the heart rate of the fetus. Incorrect fetal position can lead to fetal heart rate problems, as well as fetal infection, placental problems and other forms of fetal distress.

Sometimes, the low heart rate of the fetus, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, may indicate the possibility of abortion or complications with pregnancy. Although not the case, mostIna doctors interpret the low heart rate of the fetus as the cause of more intensive fetal monitoring. Fetal monitoring may be necessary more often. In some cases, internal fetal monitoring may be required. Internal monitoring of the fetus usually includes the connection of the electrode directly to the baby's head, through the cervical opening.