Is fetal heart rate 170 normal?

Today’s medical technology is at a very high level, and during the development of the fetus, all physical indicators can be diagnosed through various instruments. Heartbeat is an important function of the heart. When some pregnant women went to the hospital for prenatal check-ups, they found that the fetus' heartbeat was very fast, reaching 170 beats per minute. They must have been very worried. So, is a fetal heart rate of 170 normal? Let’s take a look at the detailed explanation below.

Is a fetal heart rate of 170 normal? The fetal heart rate is regulated by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. By recording the instantaneous changes in the fetal heart rate through the curve of the monitoring graph, we can understand the reaction of the fetal heart rate during fetal movement and uterine contraction, and infer whether the fetus in the uterus is suffering from hypoxia. In a normal pregnancy, fetal heart rate monitoring should be performed once a week starting from the 37th week of pregnancy. If there are comorbidities or complications, it can be performed from the 28th to 30th week of pregnancy.

The normal fetal heart rate is strong and powerful, at 120-160 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm and moderate strength, like the "ticking of a clock". The fetal heart rate may increase by 10-20 beats per minute when the fetus moves. If the heart rate is continuously higher than 160 times/minute or lower than 110 times/minute, it is abnormal. Attention should be paid to whether the rhythm of the fetal heart rate is fast or slow. The normal fetal heart rate is 110 to 160 beats/minute. If the fetal heart rate is above 160 beats/minute or lasts for 100 beats/minute, it indicates intrauterine fetal hypoxia and should be treated promptly.

The condition of the pregnant woman herself also affects the changes in the fetal heart rate. For example, if the pregnant woman has a fever, the fetal heart rate will often exceed 160 beats/minute. If the pregnant woman has hyperthyroidism, her own heart rate is very fast, and the fetal heart rate will often exceed 160 beats/minute. If the pregnant woman takes certain medications, such as salbutamol taken during premature delivery to preserve the fetus, or atropine, it can cause the mother and child's heart rate to accelerate. A slow fetal heart rate may be caused by fetal hypoxia, but sometimes pregnant women take certain medications, such as propranolol, which act on the fetus through the placenta and cause the fetal heart rate to slow down.

In general, the normal range of fetal heartbeat is 120-160 beats/minute. If it is 170 beats, it is abnormal. There are many reasons that lead to accelerated fetal heartbeat. Pregnant friends are advised to go to the hospital to consult a doctor in time so that the cause can be found out in time and symptomatic treatment can be given. In addition, remember to do regular fetal heart monitoring starting from the 37th week of pregnancy.

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