Understanding your baby’s heartbeat: A parent’s guide

From the beginning of pregnancy to delivery, the steady rhythm of your baby’s heartbeat is a comforting reminder of the bond between mother and baby. A healthy heart and normal heart rate indicate that essential oxygen and nutrient-rich blood is circulating throughout the fetus. An abnormal heart rate could indicate a problem. In this blog, pediatric cardiologist, Poonam M. Puranik, MD, provides essential information about your baby’s heartbeat.

The basics of a fetal heartbeat

A fetal heartbeat, or your baby’s heartbeat in utero, reflects a functioning cardiovascular system that begins to develop just weeks after conception. It marks a significant milestone in fetal development and is one of the most reassuring sounds for expectant parents. While it is difficult to hear a fetal heartbeat during the first trimester of pregnancy, an ultrasound can detect it by the second trimester.

Normal fetal heart rate

A normal fetal heart rate is between 110 to 160 beats per minute (bpm), and it fluctuates naturally throughout pregnancy in response to uterine and fetal conditions. Regular ultrasounds allow your healthcare team the opportunity to scan for any abnormalities in your baby’s heart rate.

Causes for concern

An excessively fast or slow heart rate in your baby may be concerning. An elevated fetal heart rate above 160 bpm is called tachycardia. Bradycardia is the term for a fetal heart rate below 110 bpm. Your provider might refer you to a pediatric cardiologist for a fetal echocardiogram if they notice fetal tachycardia or bradycardia. Fetal echocardiogram is like an ultrasound although more focused on evaluating your baby’s heart structure and function.

Fetal heart monitoring

To ensure your baby’s health and growth, your healthcare team will monitor your baby’s heart rate throughout pregnancy and during labor. Fetal heart monitoring is widely used during prenatal visits, high-risk pregnancies, and during labor and delivery. A fetoscope or handheld Doppler ultrasound device may be placed on your belly or abdomen to better hear the pitter-patter of your baby’s heart. The goal is to assess the heart rate and detect any abnormality in its rhythm.

Less often, your healthcare team may do internal fetal monitoring during labor and delivery, which involves attaching a wire or electrode to your baby’s head to monitor their heartbeat internally. This type of testing is only necessary when other results are unreliable or more precise monitoring is needed.

Talk with your provider if you have any concerns about the well-being of your baby. They will closely monitor your baby’s heartbeat throughout pregnancy and into labor and delivery, if indicated.