Patient's question:
Pregnant 34+5, went to the hospital today for a fetal heart monitoring, but the line went down, what's the matter?Doctor's answer:
A normal fetal heart rate tracing is one where the baseline is within the normal range. During fetal movement, the heart rate should increase by more than 15 beats and sustain for more than 15 seconds, which is considered normal. It should not go downward; a downward trend may indicate that the fetus is experiencing hypoxia and requires treatment. Monitoring the fetal heart rate is necessary, and color Doppler ultrasound may be required if needed. Generally, it is normal, but follow-up is necessary. Pay attention to observing the fetal growth and development during pregnancy.