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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Low heart rate at 21 weeks

43 replies

ZoetobeMum · 20/10/2017 20:22

I am hoping someone can give me some hope. We saw a consultant today abd found out the babies heart beat is between 60 and 70bpm which is half what they expect. They have told me to prepare for the worst but if we can get to 24 weeks they can induce if neccessary? The baby is kicking and i can feel it so taking it as a positivity. I know either way now i will be delivering a baby probably sooner than expected.

Has anyone had any similar experiences and can make the next 3 week wait less worrying? I am praying i can get to 24 weeks and the doctors can do their thing!

OP posts:
Loosemoose28 · 20/10/2017 21:45

Have the doctors left you with no follow up?

Original poster
ZoetobeMum · 20/10/2017 22:53

Loosemoose28 thank you for replying to my post. I have another scan on sunday but basically told it's a waiting game and until 24 weeks they won't intervene.

I think i am trying to be optimistic and want someone to say the heartbeat will increase and baby will make it to 24 weeks so they can be delivered?

OP posts:
CrmbleBee · 20/10/2017 23:25

Didn't want to read and run, crossing my fingers for you. The following link is quite informative:

www.newhealthadvisor.com/Fetal-Heart-Rate-at-20-Weeks.html

tobeornottobe1 · 23/10/2017 12:04

Hey OP, no advice im afriad, just wondering how your scan went yesterday? XFlowers

Original poster
ZoetobeMum · 23/10/2017 14:18

I had my scan yesterday and the doctor couldn't tell me if the heartbeat has improved but i saw my midwife today and she seems to think it has gone up slightly. My midwife said she has only ever seen a low heart rate later on, 3 times in the 7 she has been qualified. The lack of knowledge is hard to cope with.

Just counting down until i am 24 weeks and have a 'viable' baby so that they can help if needed. It is just very stressful and upsetting. Only 2 weeks to wait.

Thank you for posting back to me.

OP posts:
Jooni · 23/10/2017 14:23

Wishing you all the very best OP Flowers

ChanandlerBongsNeighbour · 23/10/2017 14:26

Sending you strength OP!

LumpySpaceCow · 23/10/2017 14:58

Could it be down to a structural heart defect or some other issue causing this with the heart? Would it be worth having a detailed scan with a specialist in foetal medicine? Sorry if you've already been through this with them but I just can't see how they can't give you any idea of what the issue may be - especially if the baby is otherwise moving and active.

twotired · 23/10/2017 15:27

Sorry I have no advice but I wanted to send my well wishes. Stay strong, every day is another day closer to 24w Flowers

rumfudge · 23/10/2017 16:45

Hi...this happened to me a few years ago at my 20 week scan so I know exactly what you are going through. Sadly it is a worrying and stressful waiting game. I was monitored very carefully every week throughout my pregnancy but like you was told there was nothing they could do before 24 weeks. I can however tell you that my story has a positive outcome...my child is now 13 and was fitted with a pacemaker at 5years old. Feel free to pm me if you would like to know more. Stay strong.

Original poster
ZoetobeMum · 23/10/2017 18:43

LumpySpaceCow - Thank you for your reply. We saw a fetal cardiologist a week ago and they said there were no structural issues with the heart and everything looked normal. On friday when i had another scan they confirmed that all the valves appear to be there. It is very upsetting and frustrating when there is nothing i can do. We are seeing the cardiologist again on 3rd November but until then i have to wait.

I hate the fact i am only 21+4 so they are unwilling to do anything for another 2 weeks.

Rumfudge - thank you for sharing your story as i can't seem to find any information on this anywhere on the internet. Which again adds to the frustration and not knowing.

Just when i start to get excited about having a baby something seems to pop up.

17 days and counting until i am 24 weeks and can be monitored.

OP posts:
Excusemyfrench · 23/10/2017 18:51

How frustrating you have no information or explanation. I hope the next few weeks fly by for you OP, keep us updated so we can try and support you Flowers

tobeornottobe1 · 23/10/2017 19:36

OP, im glad the midwife reassured you in some sense that she thinks the hb improved. Hopefully you can monitor baby with its movement and ill be counting down the days for you too! Flowers

careerandfam · 23/10/2017 19:52

No advice I'm afraid but just wanted to say thinking of you and fingers crossed all is ok xxx

Original poster
ZoetobeMum · 02/11/2017 20:51

Please keep your fingers crossed baby is still kicking and moving and i see the cardiologist tomorrow!

Feeling very anxious and nervous. Officially 23 weeks today so only a week more and they can start monitoring baby more.

Thank you all so much for your kind words and support. I will keep you all updated.

OP posts:
HopeAndJoy16 · 02/11/2017 20:54

Will be thinking of you tomorrow, hope everything goes well Flowers

Fairybella · 02/11/2017 20:54

Everything is crossed for you

Original poster
ZoetobeMum · 04/11/2017 07:54

Just thought i would update you all.

We saw the cardiologist and she has confirmed it is complete heart block. They think my antibodies are fighting the baby so i have been put on some steroids and they plan to do a c-section when necessary to avoid extra stress on the baby.

Because the baby is struggling slightly there is fluid appearing in the babies stomach so i am on some medicine to try to relieve this and get them through this.

The doctors are hoping if heart rate stays around 63bpm they will plan delivery in December/January. I am not due until march so if baby can get past 28 weeks they will be really pleased.

Having weekly scans and monitoring and have had my care transferred to a specialist hopsital. It is so much to take in. I just want my little baby here safe and sound and it is soul destroying knowing my body could be causing my little one problems.

OP posts:
ScarletSienna · 04/11/2017 07:59

Wishing you lots of luck. My friend’s baby was born at 23 weeks. They need oxygen and struggle in the winter months but is 4 now and very happy.

LumpySpaceCow · 04/11/2017 08:09

Thanks for the update. I'm glad you have some answers even though they are probably not the ones you wanted. I hope that your baby can stay put for as long as possible. When your baby is born, at least the hospital will be prepared on how to treat him/her.
I can't imagine how you must feel but am thinking of you xx

Loopy9 · 04/11/2017 08:17

@ZoetobeMum
How stressful this must be, I’m really hoping all the drugs kick in and baby sits tight until the new year. Sounds like you’re getting the best advice from the medics. Wishing you and baby well, keep us informed as to how things are going. Big hugs x

olicat · 04/11/2017 08:52

Crossing everything for baby staying put, keep us updated x

flumpybear · 04/11/2017 08:57

Sending you best wishes, it must be stressful, I hope the drugs you’ve. Even given help sort the problem - good luck FlowersBear

Hulaballoo · 04/11/2017 11:02

Thinking of you🌺 my friend gave birth to both her girls early-24w and 28w They were in intensive care for a while but are now happy and healthy children. Positive vibes your way and hope you and baby get through this well. Big hugs xx

chaosisaladder · 04/11/2017 11:06

Sending positive vibes - it sounds like they are going to take good care of you and baby. I hope you are as okay as you can be.