Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC)Ī premature ventricular contraction is an extra beat in the heart’s lower chambers. Doctors will perform an electrocardiogram (EKG) if they hear an irregular heartbeat after birth. The cause of PACs is unknown in most cases. These usually resolve without treatment and cause no harm to the fetus. Non-conducted PACs are the most common type of fetal arrhythmias. Non-conducted PACs result in bradycardia. A PAC that doesn’t send a signal to the ventricle is called a non-conducted PAC. Some may refer to PAC as a “skipped beat.”Ī PAC may send an electrical signal to the heart’s lower chambers (ventricle). A PAC disrupts the normal heart rhythm of the fetus, causing an irregular heart rhythm. Premature Atrial Contractions (PAC)Ī premature atrial contraction is an extra beat in the heart’s upper chambers. These irregular heart rhythms-though often harmless-should be monitored, as they can lead to other fetal arrhythmias. These extra beats are caused by early (premature) contractions of the heart’s upper (atrial) or lower (ventricle) chambers. Sometimes, doctors hear “extra” heartbeats when listening to fetal heart rate. These medications are given to pregnant mothers and pass to the fetus through the placenta. The most common treatment for fetal arrhythmia is medication. Reduced blood flow to the fetus can affect how much oxygen they receive. Other babies may need regular monitoring and treatment, especially if their arrhythmia affects blood flow. Many fetal arrhythmias resolve on their own and don’t require treatment. This noninvasive imaging test allows doctors to see and hear a baby’s developing heart.Ī specially trained pediatric cardiologist reviews fetal echocardiogram images to diagnose a fetal arrhythmia and recommend treatment. This imaging test is sometimes called an “echo.” A fetal echocardiogram is a special ultrasound exam of a baby’s heart. When a doctor suspects an irregular fetal heart rate, they may order a fetal echocardiogram. Fetal arrhythmia and anxiety in pregnant women have also been linked. Some studies have linked caffeine and fetal arrhythmia. Congenital (present at birth) heart defects.Other causes of fetal arrhythmia include: Fetal arrhythmia is caused by abnormalities or interruptions in the heart’s electrical system.įetal arrhythmia type (tachycardia or bradycardia) is determined by the location of the electrical system’s abnormality or interruption. This system determines how fast the heart beats. For some babies, however, fetal arrhythmia may require treatment. Fetal tachycardia is a faster heart rate than expected.įetal arrhythmia is rare.Fetal bradycardia is a slower heart rate than expected.There are two types of fetal arrhythmias: A fetal arrhythmia may be diagnosed when a developing baby’s heart rate falls outside the normal range of 120 to 180 beats per minute (BPM). This includes a heart rate that is faster or slower than expected.īabies can be diagnosed with arrhythmia before they are born. An arrhythmia is a term used to describe any abnormal or irregular heartbeat.
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