Monitoring for irregular heartbeat?

[LisaSimpsonsbff]

Have been trying to put this to the back of my mind but keep fretting so thought I'd ask for other's experiences! I'm 28 weeks today, and at a routine consultant meeting yesterday she decided that the fetal heartbeat was irregular (ectopic) and has ordered that I come into hospital twice weekly to be put on a CTG machine to monitor this. She kept saying it was nothing to worry about, and the midwife who did the monitoring clearly thought it was an overreaction - and as far as I could work out, they were saying it wasn't actually a big problem if it does stay irregular, as it'll probably resolve by itself. But then why all this monitoring? I'm trying not to worry (this has been a very stressful pregnancy for various reasons), but it feels a little like, whatever they say, they must be a little concerned if they want me in hospital every three/four days?! The doctor also kept me as high-risk (the whole point of this meeting was supposed to be to downgrade me).

My DS had an ectopic beat in utero. My NHS policy was to do nothing as they usually resolve themselves. At the newborn check, the midwife said she heard it but then two paediatric doctors said they couldn't?? Checked again at the 8 week check and there was no sign of it. Try not to worry.

Thanks, that's reassuring - from everyone I can see through googling (not always a good idea, I know!), just leaving it seems to be the normal option, and they just didn't explain why they weren't doing this - it seems like such a waste of resources to have me in twice a week for no real reason!

Just thought I'd boost this, as I was hoping for a few more 'this happened to me and it was all completely fine's!

Benign fetal ectopic beats are reasonably common and all of the ones I have seen have always self resolved when the baby is born.
The monitoring does seem a bit overkill to be honest but maybe your consultant is just being cautious or was hoping it would reassure you.
If you are worried or have more questions don't be afraid to call and request another appointment with your Consultant, I am sure they would be happy to see you.

Thank you - the registrar told me to see her again in two weeks, so I guess we'll see then; you may well be right that she thought I'd be reassured but I find having to go into hospital quite stressful in and of itself!