irregular heart beat of 28 week fetus

[mollie241]

I am 43 pregnant with first baby, had amnio and many other test all went great , I do have high blood pressure that is controlled, today I went to ob and ultrasound we do every 2 weeks, but when my Dr. listened to baby's heartbeat she said it skipped one about every 20 beats, suspected it was something called PAC"s , she will listened to heart beat again this friday, if it is still irregular she will send me for further testing , should I be concerned, This is my one and only pregnancy, and try to always read and know everything that is going on, She said since we had amnio, we know his heart had all functioning parts, and she already tested me for antibodies for infection and those were negative , Any adivice is greatley appreciated,

Scheryl

[Marie M Gleason, M.D.]

It sounds like your doctor is correct.  The most common cause of a fetal heart rate irregularity is premature atrial contractions (PACs) that arise from the baby's upper heart chamber and are usually benign.  You should avoid caffeine and stimulants and keep well hydrated.  If they persist, your doctor will likely refer you to a pediatric cardiologist for a fetal echocardiogram to document the arrhythmia.  In most cases, these self resolve.  You can also search this site for other's questions and answers to this same type of question under fetal arrhythmias.  Congratulations on your pregnancy.

[Cathleen68]

A related discussion, enlarged pulmunary artery in 26 wk fetus was started.

[Marie M Gleason, M.D.]

It sounds like your doctor has you on the proper regimen for checking the baby's heart rate.  the child is highly unlikely to go into any distress if the baby is being observed regularly.  The only reason to intervene with medication would be if the baby develops a permanent elevation of heart rate (tachycardia) that leads to a low cardiac output.  This can cause poor organ perfusion and fluid buildup in the tissues.  However most babies with extra beats do NOT develop that complication.

[mollie241]

went back today and baby still has extra heartbeat, going to have test and go back every week 1=2 times , to listen to heartbeat, due to heartbeat can go in to distress in 1 week is this true and could you eleborate on this condition?

Thank