Fetal Heartbeat at 6 Weeks: What Does a 121 BPM Mean?

Question
I just had an ultrasound today my last men. period was Feb 16, 2004 which should make me 7weeks today. The fetus measured at 6wks 3 days which made me worry also the heartbeat was 121. I am worried because they said the normal range is 120-160 and 121 is so low. I have had 2 prev. miscarriages and 2 healthy children. I was wondering if this means another miscarriage is on the way. Does this information sound bad?

Answer
The normal range of a fetal heartbeat is 120-160 beats per minute. A value of 120 is completely normal. I would say that over 95% of my patients have a fetal heartbeat of 120. There are differences in heartbeat between female fetuses and male fetuses, but your heartbeat is perfectly normal. Don't worry. The risk of a miscarriage in every pregnancy is 15-20%. Once you hear a fetal heartbeat, the risks dropto 5%. You have nothing to worry about.