Fast heartrate

[mandler]

Had observation this week and specialist check on baby's heart which reached a mammoth 220 bpm! I am 36+3, now taking drugs to regulate lo's heart which are wirking well so far. A cs was mentioned should the problem continue - anyone else been through this and managed to avoid cs?
Although of it is essential for baby's health there will be no argument from me.....

Hi mandler,

Sorry you're having worries and hope things are soon resolved

it's the base rate which is most important, not what the rate is during an acceleration.

Can I ask a couple of questions please?

Did they document the base rate?

What drugs are you taking to regulated baby's heart rate?

Hi - it was a constant rate of 200 - 220, I assume that was base rate. Was going really fast even when baby was inactive.
I am on 100mg of flecainide 3 times a day prescribed by the fetal cardiologist at great ormond st. He says it is an electrical 'fault' rather than a defect which should right itself, either with these drugs or after birth.
We have another scan tomorrow to check progress and a follow up at gosh on Friday.
very scary stuff, I just wish I could listen to his heart in the meantime

Thanks for the response.

Probably better that you can't hear it though, it's scary sounding enough!

Seems the doctors have done all the right things and the very fact you've achieved this late stage without intervention for delivery has to be a positive sign.

I'll keep watching for an update following your next scan.

I had something simular with my dd1, although not as bad. Her heart rate was always fast during monitoring, and got higher every time.
She was born by Emergency C Setion in the end. Its not so bad, and they will only do it if really needed.

Dont really have any advice, but wanted to let you know your not alone.
Good luck
L

I know a lady on another forum who's baby was delivered by emCS at term because of Super Ventricular Tachycardia. The baby is now 16 months and perfectly fine. In fact I recall a few threads where a lot of women told of their experiences. I don't know what other reasons can cause the fast HR but if you want more support, I know it is out there and would be happy to refer you to others who have been through similar.

Best wishes!

Thanks for all the messages - had another scan yesterday and hr still stable at 130-140, phew!
I am still on tabs a couple a day, and will be seen again on Friday. No damage done to the baby's heart and the consultant seemed really reasured.
Although I have to admit, now that DH is back at work, my mum gone home, I can't stop thinking about it....

Super news mandler, hope things continue being good.

So baby's hr continues to be 130 - 140. Consultant will continue to see me twice a week (I am 36+2) until I go into labour naturally.
But I am so anxious (blood pressure a bit all over the place too) and although this is my first and I know nothing about childbirth am wondering if I should have an elective cs? I am pettified about the baby's heart not being up to labour, consultant doesn't seem overly worried, says I will be constantly monitored and any change will be given emergency cs straight away - but is it worth the risk?
Any advice appreciated!!

mandler, from personal experience i would try for the natural birth. I had a Emeregency C section with dd1 due to high heart rate, as it was so quick i didnt have time to panic or worry.
Had natural birth with dd2 last week, and hit heart rate problems again but DD2 had dropped to 60bpm, but lucky for me she was quick enough to aviod another section. I feel so much better this time round. I was out the next day, got skin to skin 5 mintues after she was born and have been able to care for her properly. The complications have been so much less this time, its a wonderful feeling.
If your consultant was worried he wouldnt put you or baby at risk.

HTH

L

sorry also meant to add babies heart rates are meant to be between 100-160 so your little one sounds spot on with his/her heart rate
Good luck

Thanks Lisa and congratulations!
Good advice I know but hard to sit here watching X Factor and not think about his little ticker! I need to find a way to relax.....

Mandler, get down the bookshop tomorrow and buy book about normal childbirth, then you can read that over the next 4 to 6 weeks and remind yourself that you are designed to give birth! Check out The Doula bible thread in this board for books mentioned today

You have nothing to fear except fear itself!

mandler (im watching x factor too) maybe arrange your mw appointments in between your monitorings so you get to hear his heart rate then too.
I know what you mean, its so hard to not worry. I found having one thing to do every day helped. Also just keep an eye on movements and if your worried go and get checked.

if you need to chat anytime, just let me know. i have msn.

Lisa did you ever have to take medication for the baby's hr? I am on pretty strong drugs twice a day and I think they are giving me palpitations (common side effect) which don't help the anxiety! And I think that boy from Newport who always cries about his mum will win.....!
Will check out the books Klaw thanks

no meds for baby as cardio team could neverwork out what was happening with my heart
i hate palpetation they are horrible, still arent used to them!
my moneys on the brown haired bloke that works removing aspestos.

lisa