Low heart rate - very concerned

propertyoftheoldcrab · April 2014

At 6 weeks, 2 days (measured age) the baby had a heart rate of about 80. I had them confirm the exact heart rate of 79. I am terrified my baby won't survive. Does anybody have experience with low heart rate?!

renbee · April 2014

What did your doctor say? Was he/she concerned?

Also, here's a thread with someone asking a similar question that might be of help to you: https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12307522/heart-rate

MrsDL · April 2014

I'm sorry, my experience wasn't good but I'll share, in my last pregnancy it was 85, baby measured 6 weeks 1 day when I was supposed to be 6 weeks 4 days (measurement is also important with hb). The bean stuck in there for 3 more weeks with low hb but growth slowed more and stopped. Unfortunately it ended with MMC for me. However in my research I did come across stories where it picked right back-up. It's possible for it to be low on a scan when it just starts beating. The waiting game is miserable, I'm sorry you have to go through it.

I found this when I was researching:

https://www.babymed.com/ultrasound/fetal-heart-rate-ultrasound-and-miscarriage

There is also a site called missedmiscarriagediagnosis.com that has plenty of stories about low hb and the pregnancy turning out just fine.

propertyoftheoldcrab · April 2014

@Aaren91011‌ my doctor's office said it was of concern, however I haven't talked to my doctor because she was out of the country. She should be reviewing my u/s today. I may need to have hCG and progesterone checked and possibly use progesterone suppositories. The u/s tech/nurse said not to worry at this point and that she couldn't make any guarantees.
I did see the other thread you mentioned as well as read some success stories, it's so scary! Thanks for your reply.

propertyoftheoldcrab · April 2014

Thank you @MrsDL I'm sorry for your loss. Yes, the wait it terrible! I wish they would've checked my hCG sooner. Hopefully I'll have an update later today.

MrsDL · April 2014

Good luck PinkBride6 - I hope you get good news!

jess123456 · April 2014

I am so sorry that the heart rate wasn't as high as you had hoped. I know limbo land is so tough and have been there many times myself. I am praying for you that it just started and it will pick up at your next appointment.

SweetMelissa5 · April 2014

I'm sorry you're dealing with this uncertainty.

The heartbeat generally starts at about six weeks, so if it was even a day or two later, that could account for it being low. Unfortunately, all you can do at this point is wait and see, but I really hope you get great news at your next appointment.

propertyoftheoldcrab · April 2014

Thank you ladies!!! I'm trying to remain hopeful!

Acedit · April 2014

Thinking of you!! Hoping for the best for you the baby

Acedit · April 2014

And the baby!!

CTri17 · April 2014

GL I hope you get good news

wallygirl · April 2014

T&P are with you and the baby!

mockingjay1 · April 2014

I'm sorry your going through this. FX for you!

Cindergurl · April 2014

I was just at the dr, measured 9 weeks hb was in 70's. They told me not to be worried at all...

lisaren · April 2014

I was also just at the Dr and my MW told me that the heart starts "beating" at 6 weeks and will increase 3bpm every 3rd day until around 8-9 weeks where it will sustain the heart rate throughout the pregnancy.

propertyoftheoldcrab · April 2014

@jalara48‌ thank you for your words of wisdom!

propertyoftheoldcrab · April 2014

@Cindergurl‌ wow, that's great! Best wishes for a h/h 9 months

propertyoftheoldcrab · April 2014

@lisaren‌ you are right, I have heard that as well. I'm glad you heard that from a medical professional! My doc still hasn't called...no news is good news right?!

abbyful · April 2014

Cindergurl said:
I was just at the dr, measured 9 weeks hb was in 70's. They told me not to be worried at all...

Are they having you come back soon? I hate to bring less-than-positive news, but a heartrate in in the 70s at 9 weeks is cause for concern. I just don't want you to be blindsided.

https://www.babymed.com/ultrasound/fetal-heart-rate-ultrasound-and-miscarriage

I would be demanding a follow-up ultrasound in a week or two.

Cindergurl · April 2014

abbyful said:

Cindergurl said:
I was just at the dr, measured 9 weeks hb was in 70's. They told me not to be worried at all...
Are they having you come back soon? I hate to bring less-than-positive news, but a heartrate in in the 70s at 9 weeks is cause for concern. I just don't want you to be blindsided.

https://www.babymed.com/ultrasound/fetal-heart-rate-ultrasound-and-miscarriage

I would be demanding a follow-up ultrasound in a week or two.

Have another ultrasound next week, since I have had previous m/c's before my dd.

lisaren · April 2014

Here is another reputable source.

https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/earlyfetaldevelopment.htm

propertyoftheoldcrab · April 2014

**the doctor called** I can go in for another u/s on Tuesday or Wednesday. She said not to worry at this point since the hb can start out slow. She also said what I already thought and that was that if it doesn't rise or it's not there... So hopeful for the next 5-6 days

thank yo

propertyoftheoldcrab · April 2014

*so thank you all for your kind words and replies!

lisaren · April 2014

Glad you're going back soon. Keep us posted!

sweetfacebaby · April 2014

When I went to the OB physician office on 3/26/14, I was exactly 6 weeks. The heartbeat was there, but it was going at a pace like mine 80 bmp. It was not fast either. The week prior there was no fetal pole or heartbeat. I think when the baby's heart initally starts beating it isn't fast, but within a week or two the heart beat is rapid and fast. The doctor didn't voice any concern, except the baby's heartbeat and fetal pole are there now. The ultrasound tech only could get a faint reading of the heartbeat because apparently it just started beating within that week. I was concerned a little, but tried not to worry. Now during my next visit, 4/30 (11 weeks) everything should be normal, God willing.

sweetfacebaby · April 2014

@lisaren, thank you for that information.

propertyoftheoldcrab · April 2014

@sweetfacebaby‌ let's keep each other updated! I'm wishing the best for you and baby.

k1911 · April 2014

Let us know how it goes!

sweetfacebaby · April 2014

Wishing the best for you and your baby too!

Desertrose27 · April 2014

Pink: Thoughts and prayers to you for a positive follow up. I went for my first ultrasound last Friday (@ 6w6d) and I was also measuring a few days behind with a lower heartbeat (98). I go back on Monday for a follow up, but the doctor was also concerned. The studies out there are pretty scary and the wait is excruciating. But I am hoping that for both of us everything picks up to normal.

propertyoftheoldcrab · April 2014

***Sad update warning***

Our little bean is not going to make it. I hope the rest of you ladies have a very happy and healthy 9 months! We will try again as soon as it's safe