If the baby’s heart rate is abnormally fast, slow, or otherwise abnormal, this could be a sign that the baby is in distress (being deprived of oxygen). Fetal heart rate during laborĭuring labor, fetal heart rate is monitored using electronic fetal monitoring to see if the baby is tolerating contractions well. If the bradycardia is due to fetal distress (oxygen deprivation), the baby should be delivered right away, usually by emergency C-section. It can also be caused by maternal health issues, such as hypotension or seizures (3). In many cases, it results from fetal oxygen deprivation caused by dangerous complications such as uterine tachysystole/hyperstimulation, placental abruption, or uterine rupture (5). What does it mean when fetal heart rate is slow (bradycardia)?Ī slow fetal heart rate (bradycardia) can be caused by a number of factors. This may involve expectant management, medical treatment, or an early delivery. It is very important that medical professionals do all they can to prevent cardiovascular failure and hydrops fetalis in babies showing signs of fetal tachycardia. It can also be a sign of nonimmune hydrops fetalis (3), which is a dangerous excess of fluid in fetal soft tissues and serous cavities (4). Sustained tachycardia puts babies at risk for cardiovascular failure. However, this compensatory mechanism fails after a certain time period because babies are not capable of maintaining such a fast heartbeat. This is a compensatory mechanism that can help offset low oxygen conditions (to some degree). There are several causes of a fast fetal heart rate (tachycardia), including hypoxia (oxygen deprivation), maternal fever, amniotic fluid infection, and more.įetal tachycardia can mean that the baby’s heart is working harder than normal to pump blood and oxygen to the rest of the body. What does it mean when fetal heart rate is high (tachycardia)?
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