Fetal arrhythmia
Fetal arrhythmia is a
term that refers to any abnormality in your baby's heartbeat. These may include
tachycardia, which is a fast heartbeat, or bradycardia, which is a slow heart
rate.
The normal fetal
heart rate is 120 to 160 beats per minute. This rare condition, occurring in
only 1-2% of pregnancies, is usually temporary and mild. However, in rare
cases, an irregular heartbeat can lead to death.
What causes fetal arrhythmia?
Fetal arrhythmia is
associated with a number of possible causes. In some cases, the doctor cannot
determine the source, especially if the rhythm disturbance is transient.
It's possible that
high levels of caffeine intake can cause irregular heartbeats, but only case
studies have been done at this time. Pregnant women are advised to limit their
caffeine intake to 200 ml of caffeine per day, which is roughly the amount
found in a cup of coffee.
In addition,
arrhythmia at some stage of development may be normal. During the second
trimester, the baby's heart may begin to beat irregularly as the heart's
electrical pathways mature. This is natural and is not a cause for concern
unless the disturbance lasts for a significant period of time.
Some arrhythmias may
indicate a structural abnormality of the heart, in which case your doctor will
perform additional tests and take appropriate action if necessary. If the
baby's heart rate is consistently high, the doctor may prescribe medication
that passes through the placenta to the baby to help regulate the heart rate.
Should I be concerned
The causes of
arrhythmias are still relatively unknown. However, based on the information
available to doctors, most arrhythmias do not appear to be life-threatening for
you or your child and will go away on their own.
In unusual circumstances where the arrhythmia is more severe, a child may be born with an abnormal heart rhythm, which is treated throughout his life. There is a small risk of fetal death in the womb or during childbirth.