Patient's question:
Baby has frequent fetal movements. When moving, the heart rate can sometimes be above 160, and when not moving, it's below 160. Usually, it's between 150-158.If fetal movements are around 20 times per hour, will it cause oxygen deprivation?
First follow-up question: Will it not cause oxygen deprivation?
Doctor's answer:
The normal fetal heart rate is 120 beats per minute to 160 beats per minute. After fetal movement, it can be higher than this range and then gradually return to normal. When the baby is calm, if the heart rate is below or above this normal range, it indicates that the baby is in a distressed state, which is a sign of oxygen deprivation.How to listen to the fetal heartbeat? If the baby is in a normal position in the uterus, on the left or right side of the mother's abdomen where the back of the baby is located, the father can use a simple device to listen.
Before the decrease in fetal movement, if the fetal heart rate exceeds 160 beats per minute, it is a sign of early fetal oxygen deprivation. If the fetal movement decreases or stops, and the fetal heart rate is below 120 beats per minute, it indicates late fetal oxygen deprivation. The location to listen to the fetal heartbeat should be as specified by the doctor, but attention should be paid: if the fetal heartbeat is abnormal, it should be listened to again after an interval of 20 minutes; if the fetal heartbeat is fast, it should also be listened to again when there is no fetal movement.