baseline fetal heartbeat

[starfish79]

Had kind of a scary (well, not scary... just a bit of a concerning) visit to midwives today.  Baby Starfish's heartbeat for all other appts has been 150-140 and today, at 30.5 weeks, the heartbeat was slower and less regular.  My midwife recommended I go to the LD section of the hospital for fetal heartbeat monitoring to get a longer read and establish a more accurate baseline heartbeat measurement.

We did that for 20-30 minutes and while I could clearly hear variations at times, the average was 125-130. They felt fine about this and said all is well and sent me home with no further testing.

I'm trying to let it go because I have a tendency to get worked up and obsess, but I have to trust them.  

Anyone else have similar experience or want to weigh in?  Just wanted to share and get it off my chest.  It was my first appt where there was anything of concern at all.

[eav2c]

I'm just lurking but this happened with my second DS. I was anxious and scared but they assured me everything was okay. Did they do a NST?

[MrsAggie]

A baby's heart rate is very irregular based on how active they are. Sounds like baby was sleepy today. Did you eat before your appointment?

[blushing]

I have weeks where my baby's heart rate has been 120-125 beats a minute and other weeks where it has been 145-150 beats a minute. My midwife has never been worried, she just tells me on the slower weeks that the baby must be sleeping.

[anaps28]

It sounds like they probably did an NST. If they were happy with the results you should be OK. It's normal to be concerned though. How is the babies movement? Are you getting at least 10 kicks over 2 hr periods? Don't feel bad about calling back and asking more questions.

[ngdgtco]

My baby's heartbeat varies at every appointment but the doctors have not been concerned as long as it has been between 120-160 (not positive on the high end). I can remember 130s, 140s and 150

[dragonfly08]

My oldest had a baseline heart rate in the mid to low 120s at every visit by the third trimester. She totally tanked on my 40 week NST, worried the heck out of the nurse who administered it, and landed me in the hospital for a contraction stress test. But the kid was just fine, she was just being stubborn/difficult and showing me what I had to look forward to (she's still that way at almost 11). :-)

Definitely sounds like they did a NST, which takes about 20-30 minutes. If your baby's average rate was in the 125-135 range, sounds good to me. They'd have monitored longer/done additional testing/kept you there if they had any cause for concern.

[thatgirl2478]

It's so hard not to worry, but it does sound normal based on my experiences as well.

Last week I was 32 weeks and DD2 had a 135 hb. She spends a few days practically break dancing in there and then she has quiet days where I have to kind of prod her to do much. I'm glad I have another appointment next week for the peace of mind!

So I completely understand being worried about your baby. There are times I wish I had an at home ultrasound or a window into my womb .

[obladi]

The last two check ups have been 130 and 133 for me after having them be in the 140s and 150s for all of my pregnancy. I am also measuring small for the first time the last two appts's so I have to have an extra ultra sound on monday which I have been worrying about. As far as the heartbeat goes, my OBs have not been concerned. They said she was sleeping at the one where she was 130 and said the 133 was normal.

[starfish79]

Thank you all! I feel much better!

Baby's movement felt less today, too, though I just got home, laid down w feet up and felt more movement.