Twin Pregnancy: Understanding Heartbeat Concerns and Next Steps

Question
Hi Brenda

I had my first ultrasound at week 8, and the doctor told me that that I am carrying twins, one with very strong heartbeat and one with weak heart beart.

He also said that the coming 2-3 weeks will be very critical to the one with weak heartbeat.

I asked the beat per minute, but they did not tell me(I guess their machine is not high-tech enough to measure the rate). they only told me it was relatively weak and what I need is to rest.

Brenda, I want to know, usually when doctor said "weak", what do they mean? Is that a chance of survival or it will just a fail pregnancy for the second one?

Can I do somthing such as eating special nutrients or exercise to increase the heart beat of the weak one?

Thanks  

Answer
Dear Nita,

Weak in this instance probably means slow. Generally a heart rate is classified as slow if it is fewer than 90 beats per minute prior to 6.3 weeks or fewer than 110 beats/min at 6.3-7.0 weeks, normal if it was 100 or more beats/min at less than 6.3 weeks or 120 or more beats/min at 6.3-7.0 weeks, or borderline if it was 90-99 beats/min prior to 6.3 weeks or 110-119 beats/min at 6.3-7.0 weeks.

At 8 weeks, they tend to rise to above 130 beats/min. So, if the 2nd twin's heart rate was notably slower than the 1st's, then they would consider it "weak".

There is no way to know whether this will be a pregnancy failure for the 2nd fetus or if it can recover. Your doctor has given you the exact advice I will give you - rest, take it easy, eat healthy and take those prenatal vitamins. That really is all you can do in this situation.

I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda