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What Causes a High Fetal Heart Rate?

Apr 24, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xiang Jinhong
Introduction
Fetal tachycardia refers to a fetal heart rate exceeding 160 beats per minute (bpm). The normal fetal heart rate ranges from 110 to 160 bpm. Fetal tachycardia, therefore, indicates an abnormally rapid fetal heart rate. Physiological phenomenon: During fetal movement, the fetal heart rate may physiologically increase—typically rising by more than 15 bpm above baseline following fetal activity. If the fetal heart rate accelerates after fetal movement and then gradually returns to baseline, this is considered a physiological response.

During pregnancy, expectant mothers routinely attend prenatal check-ups at hospitals. Some women are informed by their doctors during these visits that their fetus has an elevated fetal heart rate (FHR), yet remain uncertain about the underlying cause—causing concern and confusion. So, what causes an elevated fetal heart rate?

What Causes an Elevated Fetal Heart Rate?

An elevated fetal heart rate refers to an FHR exceeding 160 beats per minute (bpm). The normal range for fetal heart rate is 110–160 bpm. An elevated FHR thus indicates tachycardia. Physiological causes: During fetal movement, the FHR may physiologically increase—typically rising by more than 15 bpm following a bout of fetal activity. If the FHR accelerates after fetal movement and subsequently returns gradually to baseline, this is considered a normal physiological response.

Maternal factors: Maternal abnormalities—such as maternal fever or maternal tachycardia—can lead to an increased FHR. Generally, for every 0.1°C rise in maternal body temperature, both maternal heart rate and fetal heart rate may increase by more than 10 bpm. Therefore, if an abnormally rapid FHR is detected, maternal temperature and pulse should be measured to help determine whether the elevated FHR is related to maternal condition.

Fetal abnormalities: These include placental insufficiency or fetal hypoxia. Such hypoxia may result from umbilical cord compression, declining placental function, or fetal cardiac distress—all of which can trigger fetal tachycardia. When fetal tachycardia is observed, continuous fetal heart rate monitoring should be performed on the mother, and the resulting tracing carefully analyzed for any abnormal patterns. We hope this information proves helpful!

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