What is fetal heart rate and how is it done?

2 months ago

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Fetal heart tape is not performed in Iran, but this diagnostic method is used in some advanced countries. However, we have talked about this diagnostic method in this article. Stay with us.

What is fetal heart band?

In adults, this is done with sticky electrodes on the chest. From adult cardiovascular research, we know that heart rate, heart rate variability, and other ECG parameters can tell us a lot.

In addition to understanding the movements of the fetus by the mother and ultrasound, the heart rate of the fetus can be recorded through the belly of the pregnant mother. Because the fetus is reliably protected in the womb; It is inaccessible for direct heart rate measurement during pregnancy. Today, heart rate recording is done as "cardiotocography". Heart rate recording is done with a system based on Doppler ultrasound, it detects heartbeats as a reflection of the moving parts of the fetal heart and simultaneously, uterine contractions are also recorded. However, in cardiotocography, a heartbeat may not be recorded, the fetal heartbeat may interfere with the mother's heartbeat, interference may occur in the recording of heartbeats, and it does not determine the heartbeat in a beat-by-beat manner.

Using this fetal ECG signal, we have more information about the condition of the fetus. This information includes: ### Diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CDH) Fetal ECG seems to be a promising diagnostic tool to complement the screening of congenital heart diseases. It reflects the close relationship between the conduction system and the structural form of the heart and is particularly useful in detecting electrophysiological effects and anatomic defects of the heart (eg, hypotrophy, hypertrophy, and conduction block).

Investigating the effect of drugs on heart rate and causing changes in heart rate, which are used in premature babies. Because heart rate variability is one of the most reliable indicators of fetal health. It is very important to know the exact effect on drugs that are frequently prescribed in obstetrics and gynecology care. ### Diagnosis of oxygen deficiency during childbirth During labor, when the water sac ruptures and the cervix is opened a few centimeters, the fetal ECG can be recorded directly with an electrode attached to the fetal head. In order to detect lack of oxygen during childbirth, "ST examination" can be used in the ECG. It is used with ST monitoring in the fetal ECG to detect signs of fetal stress. However, in clinical practice, many false alarms are observed. The basic research results reported in this study show that the fetal electrocardiogram (ECG) is a method that is still in development but has shown several promising prospects, both during pregnancy and at the time of delivery. **Dr. Saeed Bitarafan, pediatric and fetal cardiologist**

For further study, you can use the following articles. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7045457/ https://www.cochrane.org/CD000116/PREG\_fetal-electrocardiogram-ecg-fetal-monitoring-during-labour https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-020-0538-z