A healthy fetal heart rate ranges between 110 and 160 beats per minute. A heart rate that is faster or slower than this may indicate that there is an issue that needs further attention.
An arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, is when the heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular rhythm.
Fetal arrhythmia is an abnormal fetal heartbeat or rhythm. According to an article in the Indian Pacing and Electrophysiology Journal, the normal fetal heart rate ranges between
Doctors diagnose fetal arrhythmias in
This article explains how doctors diagnose a fetal arrhythmia, the different types, possible causes, and treatments.
![Ultrasound image on screen.](http://i0.wp.com/post.brandandgeneric.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/03/Ultrasound-echocardiogram-fetal-arrhythmia-header-1024x575.jpg?w=1155&h=1528)
Doctors can detect fetal arrhythmias using ultrasound. If a doctor suspects an arrhythmia after reviewing a person’s routine ultrasound, they may recommend a fetal echocardiogram.
A fetal echocardiogram (fECG) is a safe and noninvasive test that allows a pediatric cardiologist to see the structures of the heart. The test can take anywhere
Fetal magnetocardiography (fMCG) is
A doctor may also order further tests, such as:
- high-level fetal ultrasound
- fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- amniocentesis
Sometimes, doctors cannot tell what is causing an arrhythmia. However, there are
- problems with the heart’s electrical signals
- structural abnormalities within the heart
- congenital heart defects
- restricted blood flow to the heart, or ischemia
- electrolyte imbalance
There are
Extrasystoles or premature contractions (PCs)
The
While most PACs are harmless and usually resolve over time, approximately
Fetal PVCs also usually resolve over time. However, doctors will monitor them closely as they
Tachyarrhythmias
Fetal tachycardia refers to a heart rate faster than
- is dehydrated
- consumes a lot of caffeine
- has anxiety
- is taking sympathomimetic medications such as terbutaline
- is taking anticholinergic medications
- is in a state of ketosis
- has anemia
- has an overactive thyroid
Fetal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is the most common type of fetal tachycardia. It occurs when the fetus’s heart rate is faster than 220 bpm. SVT complicates approximately 1 in 1,000 pregnancies and may lead to hydrops or heart failure.
Doctors may diagnose sinus tachycardia (ST) when a fetal heart rate is between 180 and 200 bpm.
Atrial tachycardia (AT) occurs when the heart’s upper chambers, the atria, beat too quickly. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) occurs when the heart’s lower chambers, the ventricles, beat too rapidly and cannot pump enough blood around the body. AT is
Bradyarrhythmias
Doctors may diagnose fetal bradycardia when a fetus’s heart rate is under
- congenital abnormalities
- damage to the sinoatrial (SA) node
- ion channel dysfunction, such as Long-QT syndrome
- inflammation and fibrosis of the SA node
- viral myocarditis
- collagen vascular disorders
- medications taken by the pregnant person, including beta-blockers and sedatives
- rare metabolic disorders, such as Pompes disease
Approximately
Types of fetal bradycardia include:
- sinus bradycardia
- blocked atrial ectopic beats
- atrioventricular (AV) heart block
Each case of fetal arrhythmia is different, and not all fetal arrhythmias require treatment.
Doctors prescribe treatment based on the cause of the fetal arrhythmia, a pregnant person’s health, the fetus’ health, and the pregnancy stage.
Medication is the most common way to treat a fetal arrhythmia. When a pregnant person takes medication, it passes through the placenta to the unborn baby. A pregnant person may take medications that include:
- digoxin
- flecainide
- sotalol
- amiodarone
- steroids such as dexamethasone and betamethasone
After childbirth, doctors will monitor a baby’s heart rate carefully and may recommend further medication.
Fetal arrhythmias are relatively
PCs is the most common type of fetal arrhythmia. It has a
If doctors can make an accurate diagnosis of fetal arrhythmia, they can select the best treatments for a baby before and after its birth.
Sustained fetal arrhythmias can lead to hydrops, cardiac dysfunction, or fetal demise.
To find out more about fetal arrhythmia and heart conditions that affect children, including finding support groups, a person can ask a primary physician or cardiologist for recommendations. Alternatively, they can visit:
Most fetal arrhythmias are benign and resolve on their own. Doctors usually diagnose fetal arrhythmias using a fetal echocardiogram. However, they may also use other tests.
Doctors prescribe medication to treat fetal arrhythmias. They take various factors into account before choosing treatments, including maternal health and the severity of the condition.
Untreated fetal arrhythmias can lead to hydrops, cardiac dysfunction, or death of the unborn baby.
Doctors will monitor the health of the fetus and the pregnant person throughout pregnancy and after childbirth. A baby may require further treatment if the arrhythmia does not resolve on its own.