I'm 17 weeks pregnant. My baby's heartbeat the first time we heard it was 171 bpm. Second time after a month it was down to 158 or something. When I went back today (only a week and a half form last time) the doppler read 138 bmp. My doctor said this is normal. But why? Is it because it slows with age and when it is resting?
2007-01-24 09:14:05 · 4 answers · asked by fromthecabbagepatch 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
During the first half of the pregnancy, the fetus' heartbeat is on average about 150-170. As you get nearer your due date, the baby's heartbeat is a little lower - from 130 - 150. The change is due to the heart being more efficient.
These are average though. When the baby is napping and not moving much in your womb, the heartbeat will be lower than usual. But if your baby is moving around and generally active, the heartbeat will be faster. It is the same as adults... when you're lying down and doing nothing, your heart rate is lower and when you excercise your heart beats faster.
2007-01-24 09:36:03 · answer #1 · answered by mrs.izabel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One cause of difference in heartrates at different times has to do with how active the baby is. If they take the heartbeat while he/she is sleeping it will be low, if they baby has been awake and kicking it will be high.
2007-01-24 09:25:51 · answer #2 · answered by Heather Y 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As your baby gets older, the heartrate decreases. This is a sign of maturity. Your baby is growing up!
2007-01-24 09:33:11 · answer #3 · answered by dansaremm 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably because the baby is growing and doesn't need it's heart to go so fast...i'm sure that probably if the went too fast, it would have a heart attack like we would...it is normal...everything is fine. It is because it is growing
2007-01-24 09:22:49 · answer #4 · answered by Sally Doll 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋