Understanding a Drop in Fetal Heart Rate at 21 Weeks: What to Expect

Question
Hello there. I am twenty-one weeks pregnant today,and have been going to my monthly doctor's appt's and had no problems with the heart rate. Today however,the doctor was listening to the heart rate when it just slowed completly.He checked it 4 times and it would speed up and then just stop to a slow beet immediatley. He was very nervous and sent to the hospital for an emergency ultrasound. The technician took random readings and tried to assure me that it was normal. Then we were looking at the heart beating and it was pumping fast then it would just completly slow down.It was about 160,then 145,150 approx. then in the blink of an eye went to 90 bpm. I still haven't heard from my doctor but I don't feel like that is ok. Could there be anything wrong? Why would it just change so fast like that.I know heart rate fluctuates,but not like that. Please tell me what I could do. Thanks

Answer
Dear Jennifer,

Sometimes the fetal heart rate can drop suddenly like that if the cord gets compressed - they have it in their little hand and squeeze it or if they are lying on it awkwardly and move they may squish it momentarily, etc,... As long as the heart rate does not STAY down  below 100 - as long as it rebounds back up to normal - we don't get too concerned.

I'm sure that your doctor will be getting back to you before too much longer to ease your mind about it. If not, just give a quick call into the office to see if they have received the results from the scan yet.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well and I apologize for the delay in answering. I usually try to get these answered 48-72 hours, but have had a very hectic week.

Brenda