naturally, Parents want to know what the normal fetal heart rate is. Unfortunately, until now there is no provision regarding the normal number of baby heartbeats in the womb.
Although there is no mutual agreement, international guidelines state that the recommended normal fetal heart rate is 110-150 beats per minute or 110-160 beats per minute. But on the other hand, a study states that a normal fetal heart rate ranges from 120-160 beats per minute. The data itself was obtained from research in 2000-2007 in Germany.
The Importance of Monitoring the Fetal Heartbeat
The fetal heart rate needs to be monitored, especially during labor and shortly after the baby is born using special equipment. The purpose of this monitoring is to help detect changes in heart rate patterns during labor. A heart rate pattern that is too fast or too slow indicates a possible problem with the fetus, such as a lack of oxygen.
When there is a change in the pattern of the heart rate, treatment steps can be taken to anticipate or overcome the source of the problem, as well as determine the best delivery method for the fetus.
Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring Method
Based on the equipment used, there are two ways that can be done to monitor the fetal heart rate, namely:
- AuscultationThe first way to monitor the fetal heart rate is by auscultation method, which is using a special stethoscope. This method is fairly safe because it has minimal risk or side effects. By relying on a special stethoscope, doctors can hear problems related to the fetal heartbeat. With this method, several things related to the heart can be heard such as how the fetal heart sounds, how often it beats, and how hard it beats.
- Fetal heart monitoring by electronicThe second way to monitor the fetal heart rate is with an electronic monitor. This tool will be used during pregnancy until the birth of the baby. In addition to monitoring the fetal heart rate, this tool is also useful for determining the strength and duration of uterine contractions. There are two ways to use electronic monitoring tools, including:
- External monitoring, namely monitoring using sound waves (ultrasound) Doppler to check whether the fetal heart rate is too fast or too slow. If needed, the doctor can also perform a test using a sensor belt to count how many times the fetal heart rate accelerates over a 20-minute period. When the mother is about to give birth, the doctor can also use a tool called a cardiotocography (CTG) to determine the fetal heart rate and the pattern of the mother's uterine contractions.
- Internal monitoring, which is monitoring that can only be done if the amniotic sac has ruptured. Internal monitoring is done by inserting a sensor cable into the uterus through the vagina. This cable will be attached to the head of the fetus to measure its heart rate. After installation, monitoring will be carried out continuously. However, this method is not yet available in Indonesia.
Just because the fetal heart rate pattern is abnormal, does not mean that it is immediately stated that the prospective baby has certain health problems. Doctors will need observations from various other tests, to confirm this. If the doctor manages to find a health problem, the next step is to find the cause. If the disturbance cannot be resolved and can interfere with the birth of the baby, the baby will usually be delivered by caesarean section, vacuum extraction, or forceps.