110bpm at 7 weeks - too slow?

[sarahb083]

Hi, I've just had an early scan and the sonographer found a heartbeat, 110 beats per minute. I've done some research and fetal heartbeat seems to be a good indicator of viability, and 110bpm quite a bit lower than normal. The sonographer said it was within normal range, but it doesn't seem to be. Does anyone have any experience with this? What was the outcome? I'm so worried.

[sarahb083]

Anyone?

[sel2223]

Not sure whst websites you are looking at but I just did a quick Google search and it said a 6-7 week old foetus should have a heart rate of 90-120 bpm so you're well within the normal range (which is what the sonographer said too)

[sarahb083]

Thank you! I did see that link, but there's no source and the few studies I found say it should be at least 120bpm. What I can't find is what it means if it's lower than this - a slightly higher chance of miscarriage, or near certainty of miscarriage?

[sel2223]

I just googled '7 week fetus heartbeat' and it came up with a whole page of websites all saying 90-110 or 90-120 so lots of different sources.
They all say that under 90 is when they get concerned it may not be a viable pregnancy so way below where you are.

Baby's heart rate changes at different points during pregnancy so you have to look at how many weeks you are and not just the bpm. For example, i had a scan just under 9 weeks and it was right up at 175 ish but now at 32 weeks it's 145/150. It goes up and down at different times.

[Maidmummy]

I had a scan at 7+5 and heartbeat was 171bpm which according to sonographer is completely normal and he went on to explain that if it was 80-90bpm (tachycardic is what he said) it would be something to worry about, anything above 90bpm in the early stages of the first trimester is classed as normal, I wouldn't worry about it too much x

[sarahb083]

Thank you both for the reassurance

[sarahb083]

Hi, posting an update in case anyone is in a similar situation in future: we had a follow-up scan today (7w5d) and the heart rate was totally normal at 157bpm. The sonographer said the heart rate is sometimes slow early on as it's just getting started.

[Cbb524]

Thank you for this post. Mine was 114 at 7 weeks. I was told it was mildly decreased. Praying for the same outcome.

[Ro1480]

Hi Cbb524. What was the outcome? I went in today at 7 weeks and same thing- 114 bpm. I have to go for a follow up in 2 weeks.

[Nuttypea]

@Ro1480 I've just hunted down this thread too. Just got back from a scan, 7 weeks showing HB of 100. She seemed positive about it, but I've had 2 MC and to be quite honest, I'm shitting myself 😔

[Chelyanne]

In my experience these early/viability scans offer little to ease the worry of the 1st trimester.

I had a private scan with my last at 8+3 by lmp, baby was only measuring 7+4 and she told me they don't let you listen to the heartbeat but a little wavy line on the screen confirmed there was one. Looking back I think she suspected things were not looking great and I was worried too. I miscarried the baby a week later and I found it a harder mc than previous ones where I'd not seen them on scans. This time I'm 9+6 by lmp and waiting for my NHS dating scan which is in less than 3 weeks.

Good luck with your pregnancy

[Ro1480]

Nutty pea, You poor thing 😞. I don’t blame you for being nervous. Although I’ve read @ 7 weeks, it should be at 120, other sites say below 90 is a concern. 🤷🏻‍♀️ When are you going back for follow up?

[Ro1480]

Thanks Chelyanne. Good luck to you too! Keep us posted