The sound of a fetal heartbeat is one of the most memorable moments for any parent-to-be. Hearing that tiny thumping sound for the first time is a surreal experience. But once the initial excitement fades, many parents may wonder what a normal fetal heartbeat should sound like. This is particularly true for first-time parents who may not have a lot of experience with fetal heart rates.
A normal fetal heart rate fluctuates throughout pregnancy, with the heart rate peaking about 9 weeks gestation and progressively decreasing after the 13th week. Despite this lowering, the fetal heart rate remains quicker than the adult heart rate week after week. Normal fetal heart rate range is commonly characterized as 110 to 160 beats per minute (bpm), while other experts use tighter limits, such as 110 to 150 bpm or 120 to 160 bpm.
The fetal heart rate changes throughout pregnancy as the baby grows and develops. The baby’s heart begins to beat at five weeks gestation, and at this stage, the usual fetal heart rate is roughly the same as the gestational parent’s heart rate: 80 to 85 bpm. Throughout the first month, the heart rate will rise by roughly three beats per minute each day. This is so exact that physicians or midwives can utilize heart rate to assist determine the baby’s gestational age via ultrasound.
The normal fetal heart rate is an average of 170 bpm by the beginning of the ninth week of pregnancy, up from about 110 at 5 weeks gestation. After 13 weeks gestation, it begins a rapid deceleration to the normal fetal heart rate for mid-pregnancy, between 110 to 160 bpm. There is also a slowing of the normal fetal heart rate in the last 10 weeks of pregnancy, though the normal fetal heart rate is still about twice the normal adult’s resting heart rate.
Interestingly, research shows that fetal heart rate differs between male and female babies toward the end of pregnancy, with female fetuses having noticeably higher heart rates.
Your baby’s normal fetal heart rate will vary normally during the day and at night, just like your own. Normal variation can be caused by movement, sleeping, and other activities. Discuss any concerns you have about your baby’s heart rate with your midwife or doctor.
Some parents may ask if measuring the baby’s heart rate at home on a daily basis is a good idea. Therefore, most individuals should avoid using a doppler in their homes. Concerns range from abuse of the doppler listening equipment to misunderstanding, both favorably and adversely. There are various ways to listen to your baby’s heartbeat, and parents who are worried should consult with their doctor or midwife about the best approach to monitor their kid.