40 weeks, baby's heartbeat 150 on home doppler, is that okay?

[mameulah]

Yesterday it was 130, and today 150. Does anyone know anything about this? It seems really high to me.

[gamerchick]

No that's pretty much right.

[mameulah]

Thank you! Even though yesterday it was only 130? I just drank a frozen drink and barely a flinch from inside. I so hope he is okay.

[deborah86]

My midwife told me it's normal anywhere from 120 to 160. so I wouldnt worry

[gamerchick]

He's fine.. he'll be settling down ready for labour. Being as slow as ours is when I would worry.

[HaPPy8]

Were you listening in just for fun? If you were listening because you think baby isnt moving normally or are concerned for some reason, I wouldn't take just listening in with your own doppler for reassurance - you should ring the maternity unit. If just listening for fun, then 150 sounds ok.

[Shallishanti]

the most important thing is to be aware of baby's movements- are they the same as usual
(the heartbeat is fine- it will vary, just like yours does)

[Bessiebigpants]

What gestation are you.Stupid question really but heart rate varies with gestation term babies heart rate is slower than preemies.Also heart rate lowers with sleeping settled baby versus awake active baby.

[HaPPy8]

Re reading your last post sounds like you are worried hes not moving. That means you should call so they can do a proper trace of babys heart rate and do a full check on you.

[mameulah]

Thanks everyone, I didn't expect anyone to reply.

I am 39 +6. Pregnant with our second baby. We used the doppler because I had just drunk a huge icy drink and there wasn't even a flinch. I had already said to my Mum today that he hadn't been moving much and no sign of labour, despite having a sweep yesterday. I have phoned the maternity ward. Waiting for the midwife to get back to me.

[PenguinsHatchedAnEgg]

Do not judge uour baby's wellbeing based on a home doppler. They are toys. For fun/ bonding only. And heartbeat is a late indicator of fetal distress.

If you have concerns about movement, go in amd get checked out. I am sure all is fine, but don't decide based on a doppler.

[mameulah]

What do you mean 'a late indicator of fetal distress'?

Meaning 'the last clue the baby gives you'? Can you explain more about what you mean by that please?

[PenguinsHatchedAnEgg]

Sorry, just seen your last post. Hope all is ok.

[gamerchick]

I think if you're worried then there's no harm in going for a trace. You can't put a price in peace of mind.

[goingloombandcrazy]

Go in for a trace and check up. Just not worth not doing so.

[lithiumfear]

You need to go in - not faff around drinking ice cold water, and trying to self-diagnose!

What Penguins meant is that a baby's heartbeat doesn't stop - until the baby is dead. Sorry to be brutal, but it is folly to rely on home dopplers.

Some babies have had (seemingly) normal heartbeats at routine antenatal appointments, and their babies have died within an hour - this happened to a patient of an obstetrician of mine.

I really hope and pray that everything is OK, but movements, especially at your stage, should be seen on the labour ward ASAP.

[PenguinsHatchedAnEgg]

Basically yes. Movement is a much earlier sign of distress than heartbeat . That and lack of expertise to interpret doppler readings are why we should never self diagnose. Or use home dopplers to reassure ourselves about lack of movement. A full trace is very different to a few moments with a doppler.

[PenguinsHatchedAnEgg]

I wouldn't say never drink iced water. Sometimes a baby is just sleepy and needs waking up to reassure you . But yes, always get concerns checked out.

[Titsalinabumsquash]

I got a stern telling off for trying the cold/hot drink method when DS was having a lazy day inside the womb. Naturally he started doing a jig as soon as I got into the hospital car park.

I hope everything is ok OP

[squizita]

I have been told to 'prompt' using 1 small cold drink and lying down to check (by a recurrent MC prevention team). However their advice is if this does not prompt a return to usual movement, go right in.

I do not have a doppler, but have been told that after 33 weeks any HB between 120-160 is normal and it should vary. Mine tends to be at 125-145 at check ups when in a relaxed state (I am 33+5) and all the HCP are happy with that.
The main reason they are happy is that they feel the baby move though (she doesn't like check ups!) so if you are concerned, call the MW.

A colleague of mine had reduced movement, eventually rang in - lucky for her because she had been having a 'silent' labour and the baby was slightly distressed- and arrived within an hour. Had she not, she would not have got to hospital and her baby may have had reduced oxygen. Better safe than sorry!!

[squizita]

Official guidance from Count The Kicks (which my hospital make all women aware of):
"Things that may prompt your baby to kick are eating or drinking certain things like cold or hot drinks, fizzy drinks, ice or sugary food like chocolate. The reason is the digestive tract runs past the uterus and so something cold going past can stimulate the baby. However do not consume large quantities of something to prompt your baby to kick as this may give indigestion or gurgles you may mistake for movements and give false reassurance. If your baby doesn’t move when initially prompted, try another method or call your midwife."
countthekicks.org.uk/mums/your-babys-movements/
Basically a small glass of water + a lie down = sensible. Doing it loads if it isn't working = no.

[HaPPy8]

Is everything ok OP? Were you seen?

[thisismypassword]

Why on earth are you asking strangers on the internet?!

[mameulah]

thisismypassword I was asking strangers on the internet because I was waiting for the midwife to call me back.

Thanks everyone. I did go in and get checked and everything is fine.

[PenguinsHatchedAnEgg]

Glad to hear that it is all ok.

[mameulah]

Thank you!