Early fetal heart rate is one of the most important indicators of fetal health. Physicians can begin to monitor an early fetal heart rate in the twelfth week of pregnancy, when the heart is finally large enough to be heard with amplification. The ease with which a fetal heartbeat can be detected depends on a number of things, including position of the uterus, whether or not the mother is heavy or slender, and the position of the baby in the womb. A healthy fetal heart rate lies within the range of 110 to 160 beats per minute, with the average being about 140 beats per minute.
Mothers often think that a slower than average heartbeat indicates that she is carrying a boy, while a quicker than average heartbeat indicates she is carrying a girl. There is, however, no evidence to support this, just as there is no evidence that an especially loud or quiet heartbeat indicates any specific strength or weakness in the fetus. A heartbeat that is higher or lower than average also does not indicate a serious health risk to the fetus. Often an abnormal fetal heart rate can be explained by variables such as the fetus being especially active (which can significantly raise heart rate) or maternal use of medications.
Monitoring Early Fetal Heart Rate
Physicians monitor early fetal heart rate with the help of a doppler ultrasound. Doppler ultrasounds have been an important part of prenatal care since their introduction in the 1950s. Doppler ultrasounds use harmless low-level sound waves to detect fetal heartbeat. These sound waves are sent toward the fetus through the skin and tissue of the mothers abdomen via a special gel. As they travel, they are disturbed by the motion of the beating heart and are reflected back to the ultrasound monitor, which then translates them into an audible heartbeat.
Aside from the medical benefits of being able to detect early fetal heart rate, there are also emotional benefits for parents. Many parents describe their first time hearing their babys heartbeat as a special bonding experience, one from which they derive a great amount of reassurance about their babys health and happiness. Many businesses are now providing parents with easy to use in-home doppler ultrasound models. With the help of these new ultrasounds, parents can listen to their babys heartbeat anytime they wish, from the comfort of their own homes, and share their excitement with loved ones.
