Fetal Arrhythmia?

teaforthree · December 2013

Hi ladies,

Had my 28 week checkup today and after the midwife listened to the heartbeat, she pointed out that every 8 beats or so there was an extra beat. We all got quiet and sure enough, there it was. I have an ultrasound scheduled in two weeks to check my placenta's position (it was low-lying at the last u/s), so she added an echo to the order. She told us not to worry, but of course I can't help it, even though there's nothing I can do about it right now. When we had our A/S at 20 weeks, I remember the doctor pointed out baby's heart specifically and showed us that it was perfectly formed. So, while I'm confident there are no structural defects, I'm wondering what the extra beats mean. Do any of you know anything about this? I would normally google it, but I'm trying to stay away from that so I don't freak out. Any insight and/or T&Ps would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

CruiseGirl28 · December 2013

My husband was born with the opposite problem, his heart beat slows down sometimes. We had a fetal echo down for this baby, just in case. What they could see, everything looks fine, but they couldn't completely rule anything out.

I wouldn't Google anything- wait for info from the doctor. I hope everything is well, but keep in mind that with modern medicine, many of these issues can be taken care of.

amdecker1016 · December 2013

My A/S showed a skipped beat so when we went to the MFM and they found nothing. They told me that it is very common and unless they are beating slow and then skip it is nothing to worry about.

erind0213 · December 2013

My neighbor who is also expecting just went through something similar. The Dr. ordered the echo after picking it up on the irregular heart-beat on the ultrasound reading.

Anyhow, she freaked out and was reassured by the ultrasound tech that there could be any number of reasons as to why this occurred (after no pick up prior in dopplers/ ultrasounds). One reason she attributed to was that apparenly my friend had soda prior to the ultrasound and can throw it off....

She went for the echo this past week and all was perfectly fine!

Keeping my fingers crossed you situation is similar.

teaforthree · December 2013

Thank you all for your responses! I feel a little better now, and I will definitely wait to hear what the doctor says in two weeks rather than freaking myself out silly on the internet. Thank you for the reassurance, I appreciate it

aLsMay24 · December 2013

My MW heard something in LO at my 16w appt. but his heart was perfect at the a/s! They are common and generally correct themselves from what I was told but I know its hard not to worry. Good thoughts your way!

totalbabydoll4ever · December 2013

i don't have any experience with this, sorry, just sending t&p your way.

teaforthree · December 2013

Thank you for your comments and T&Ps, ladies

teaforthree · December 2013

*Also, just spoke to my husband, who told me it was about eight (regularly paced - 150 bpm) beats and then a skipped beat, not an extra beat. I guess I heard it differently than he and the midwife did? I think either one of us could be right...

babylimas · December 2013

The echos are extremely easy, so don't worry about that part at all! I know that defects are hard to spot through ultrasound. They look at the heart from an angle that shows right for most defects. The echo will show everything so you can be very confident from it. Like everyone said, I wouldn't dwell on it, I'm sure it will be nothing! If you need anymore info about the echo let me know! I have another here soon too.

annpod09 · December 2013

I had the same thing happen to me at my 24 week appt. We then had a fetal echo done 4 days later at MFM and it was not there. The doctor said this is extremely common bc the Doppler can sometimes be inaccurate and there can be a wide range of reasons. And like yours our 20 a/s showed a perfect looking heart structurally. Try not to worry (I know easier said then done) bc I only had to wait four days not two weeks. But even if the worse case scenario was a heart arrhythmia it is a very minor issue that according to the doctor usually resolves itself during pregnancy or right after birth. Bonus is you will get to see another sneak peek of ur baby

teaforthree · December 2013

@babylimas - Thank you for your response. Until yesterday, I didn't even know what an echo was. I appreciate you offering more information if needed; thank you!

@annpod09 - That was so reassuring, thank you!

dlabbato1 · December 2013

I had the same thing at my last Dr visit and my Dr said it was nothing to be concerned about because it would become normal rhythm and then extra beat again. Are you drinking coffee or having caffeine?? I had a protein shake before my appt and it had equivalent to 8 oz cup of coffee caffeine. My Dr told me it was from the caffeine, and I can't have ANY caffeine.

pepperedmoth · December 2013

I know NOTHING about fetal hearts, but I do know in adult hearts there are definitely several boring, non-worrisome reasons that something like that could happen! Plus as PP have said, the Doppler is a tad unreliable.

I wouldn't touch Google with a 10-foot pole were I in your shoes, and just try to wait for the echo.....

TradeMama · December 2013

My DS was born with a murmur and had to see a cardiologist at 6 weeks. They said a lot of the things that worry parents are just a part of normal development and pose no long term risks.

The weird doctor drew me a picture of a baby heart and explained how it develops/closes up etc. Everything was normal by 6 months.

I wouldn't worry yet!

roxi9020 · December 2013

Yikes... If caffeine can contribute to this, probably a good reason to refrain til LO arrives! I haven't had soda since BFP, but since the 2nd tri I have been having a cup of coffee almost every morning.

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