Experiencing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time is a remarkable milestone during pregnancy. If you’re preparing for your initial ultrasound, you may wonder about the timeline for the onset of the fetal heartbeat. Here’s what you need to know about how a baby’s heart develops throughout pregnancy and when you can expect to hear that precious sound.
When Does a Baby Have a Heartbeat?
According to the Journal of Prenatal Medicine, the development of the heart begins around weeks 3 to 4 of gestation, with a regular heartbeat emerging by week 5. By week 6, the fetal heartbeat stabilizes at approximately 105 beats per minute, as noted by the March of Dimes.
When Can Baby’s Heartbeat Be Detected by Ultrasound?
The fetal heartbeat can often be identified on an ultrasound fairly early in pregnancy, although the timing can vary based on the type of ultrasound used. A vaginal ultrasound is generally more reliable in the early weeks and can frequently detect a heartbeat around 6 weeks of gestation. In contrast, an abdominal ultrasound typically picks it up by week 7, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
What If the Heartbeat Isn’t Detected?
There are several reasons why a healthcare provider might not detect a fetal heartbeat during the early stages of pregnancy. While it can be concerning, many of these reasons are not indicative of a problem. Dr. Emily Rios, an ob-gyn at Coastal Health, explains that it’s common for women to miscalculate their gestational age, which may lead to an ultrasound being performed too early. “Gestational age is calculated based on the last menstrual period (LMP), assuming ovulation occurs about 14 days after that date,” she notes. However, not every woman follows this timeline.
This discrepancy is one reason why your provider might recommend a dating ultrasound. This ultrasound can help accurately determine how far along you are by checking for the gestational sac and yolk sac and, if possible, measuring the crown-to-rump length of the baby. If a heartbeat isn’t detected yet, it may simply mean you’re earlier in your pregnancy than you thought. In such cases, your provider will likely schedule another ultrasound in a couple of weeks.
Body size can also play a role in heartbeat detection. Dr. Rios mentions that if a woman is overweight or obese, it may be more challenging to detect the heartbeat without a transvaginal ultrasound. Consequently, a provider using only a handheld device may not be able to pick it up.
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To Summarize:
The fetal heartbeat typically begins developing between weeks 3 and 4, becoming consistent by week 6. The heart can often be detected via ultrasound as early as week 6 with a vaginal ultrasound and around week 7 with an abdominal ultrasound. If a heartbeat is not detected, it may be due to miscalculations in gestational age or body size factors. Seeking support through community resources can offer additional help on your journey.