Medications taken by the mother of the fetus can cause a low fetal heart rate.
Low fetal heart rate, also called bradycardia, is the term used when an unborn baby’s heart shows less than 110 beats per minute. In most cases, this is a temporary situation, although the cause usually needs to be determined before the problem can be addressed. One of the most common causes is medications the mother takes, such as narcotics, epidurals, or synthetic oxytocin. Hypotension in the mother can also cause a reduction in the fetal heart rate, either for a few minutes or long term. Finally, a prolapse or compression of the umbilical cord can also cause bradycardia in the fetus.
Hypotension in the mother of the fetus can result in a reduced fetal heart rate.
This problem often occurs during labor due to the amount of medication many women receive. For example, synthetic oxytocin is often given to stimulate labor, but in some cases it can lead to hyperstimulation of the uterus. Sometimes the result is fetal hypoxia, which is a lack of oxygen made evident by a suddenly lower-than-average heart rate. Women who take narcotics during pregnancy may also lower the fetal heart rate, as this type of medication can reduce the chances of the fetal heart accepting adrenaline, which is a hormone that speeds up the heart. Also, many women are given an epidural to stop labor pain, but this can also cause temporary hypotension in the mother.
Doctors use a heart rate monitor to monitor a patient’s heart rate.
Some women experience hypotension on their own, without the need for medication to cause it. One of the most common causes of maternal hypotension is lying on the back, as this position can put pressure on the vena cava. The result is less oxygen to the baby, which ultimately leads to a low fetal heart rate. For this reason, women are advised to avoid lying on their back after about 16 weeks of pregnancy, although it should be noted that most pregnant women feel the effects of this position before any harm is done to the baby. . For example, pregnant women are likely to feel dizzy after lying down for a few minutes.
An umbilical cord is a thick, blood-rich cord that connects the baby to the mother during the gestation process.
In other cases, the umbilical cord can become compressed or even prolapse. Either way, the fetus doesn’t get enough oxygen when this occurs, leading to a low fetal heart rate over time. This is considered an emergency as it can be fatal to the fetus if not corrected quickly. This can occur during prolonged labor, resulting in the need for an emergency C-section. However, umbilical cord prolapse is possible at any time, so women are advised to see a doctor quickly if they notice reduced fetal movement, as this often indicates a low fetal heart rate.
