Fetal arrhythmia is an abnormality in the heart beat of your baby. There is tachycardia which is an increased heart rate and bradycardia which is a slowed heart rate. The normal heart rate for a fetus is about 120 to 160 beats per minute. Fetal arrhythmia is rare and usually temporary. In rare occasions, it may lead to death.
 

 

What causes fetal arrhythmia ?

 
This condition  has been linked to a number of causes. However in some cases, the cause is not known. High caffeine consumption can be a possible cause of irregular heart beat. It is recommended that pregnant women limit their caffeine intake to  200mL of caffeine a day–roughly the amount found in one cup of coffee.

In the second trimester, fetal arrhythmia is considered normal unless it  lasts for a considerable amount of time. This is because during the this time the baby’s heart beats  irregularly as the electric pathway of the heart matures.

Arrhythmia may also be due to structural abnormalities of the heart. In this case, the doctor will run further tests and take any action necessary.

Consistently high heart beat may cause the doctor to prescribe medication is that given to the baby through the placenta. This will regulate the baby’s heart beat.

Is fetal arrhythmia dangerous ?

 
The cause of this condition is unknown. However health care professionals believe that arrhythmia is usually not life threatening to you and your baby. It usually resolves on its own. In rare cases, the baby may be born with a heart irregularity that is managed through out his or her lifetime. There is a remote chance that fetal death may occur while the baby is in utero or during delivery.