What is the normal fetal heart rate?
Disease description:
I've been pregnant for more than a month. There is also a fetal heartbeat in my abdomen. I'd like to ask the doctor, what is the normal fetal heart rate?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Fetal heart rate refers to the heart rate of the fetus. Generally, the normal fetal heart rate ranges from 110 to 160 beats per minute. This range is not absolutely fixed, as the average fetal heart rate varies throughout pregnancy. Specifically:
1. Before 20 weeks of pregnancy, the average fetal heart rate is 162 beats per minute.
2. Between 21 to 30 weeks of pregnancy, the average fetal heart rate is 147 beats per minute.
3. Between 31 to 40 weeks of pregnancy, the average fetal heart rate is 139 beats per minute.
Monitoring fetal heart rate is crucial for assessing fetal well-being. If the fetal heart rate remains consistently above 160 beats per minute or below 110 beats per minute for an extended period (such as more than 10 minutes), it may indicate fetal hypoxia or other abnormalities in the womb, and prompt medical attention and appropriate treatment measures are required.
