Low Heart Rate in Second Trimester (twins)

[Mom.to.Many]

I have already posted about a million threads for just about every worry imaginable and I have only been a member for one day! Can you tell I am a worry wort?

Here's the deal... my twins were dx with TTTS at 18 weeks. I had surgery and their fluid levels have evened out beautifully. They are both very big for their "age" and the Dr's state that if they had not known our history, they would not suspect our boys had TTTS.

However, Baby A was dx last week with Pulmonary Valve Stenosis due to the increased fluids and we are seeing a neonatal cardiologist monthly to monitor its progress. The Dr says he feels confident about his outcome and we shouldn't worry

My concern is this... my boys have ALWAYS had low heart rates. The highest either one of gets is 122, the lowest is 112. The MFM specialist and Neonatal cardiologist (along with every sonographer I meet on a weekly basis) says they are just chilled out kids and I don't need to worry. But those are some REALLY low heart rates. All dopplers look good each week, both babies move often, and they are growing at a fantastic rate (24 wks A was at 1 lbs 13 oz and B was at 1 lbs 11 oz). I have seen more specialists than I knew exsisted for these two babies and they are all so confident. So why can't I just relax and go with it? Would you freak out if your babies heart rates were this low? Has anyone had a baby with a low heart rate? Can a baby with a low heart rate survive delivery? HELP ME PLEASE!!! My Dr's probably think I am crazy!

 

[going_crazy]

Firstly, congratulations on your pregnancy!

It is only natural to worry, and you must have double worry going on here!
The 'average' fetal heart rate can vary from 110bpm to 180bpm, so your LO's have got good, strong heart rates and I'm sure will be fine during delivery. There will be plenty of healthcare professionals at your delivery (i would think!) so I am sure everything will turn out fine.

Try and relax and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy xxxxx

 

[Mom.to.Many]

Thanks, you are right... i need to just relax and enjoy the gift I have been given. I think my anxiety stems from lots of bad news in a small period of time. Now that things are looking up for these little guys, I guess I just don't trust it, you know? Anyways, this forum has been amazing and has allowed me to vent a lot of my frustrations Thanks

 

[lizziedripping]

Wow, Mom2 - there is little wonder you are stressed out darlin! You have had a really worrying pregnancy, and as a Mum of twins myself, and with a history of pregnancy complications I totally understand where you're coming from

I am sorry to say that I have little knowledge of fetal heart rates hun, except that I too worried about my twins because one always had a much slower h/r than the other. I can't remember exactl what they were, but I think the slower one was around 120bpm and the faster one 140bpm. Thankfully I didn't get super stressed over hr, but then this wasn't my particular complication in the twin pregnancy...................mine was my cervix and it being able to hold in two large babies. As regards preterm labour, cervical incompetency and stitches, you have met your 'worry wort match' lol

Never apologise for worrying hun, you have been through the mill in this pregnancy and your anxiety has already served to demonstrate what a wonderful, loving and sensitive mother you are. You are only looking out for your precious little ones, and they will thank you for that for the rest of their lives. good luck hun, and please keep me posted. xxx

 

[Mom.to.Many]

Thank you. I guess I got spoiled with my first. I never understood what women felt when they went through a complicated pregnancy. My DD was super easy aside from the general aches and pains. My husband keeps saying if anything were to go wrong, we would know about it since we see so many Dr's on a weekly basis. I am so glad I found a network of women who will read my rants and calm my fears. You are all just a bunch of angels.

 

[AlwaysPraying]

Just wanted to add that it sounds like your babies rates are right in the average. Someone told me once, there has to be highs and lows to make an average. Yours may be on the lower side, but still part of the average!

I had a loss before my son as well, worrying comes very easily after something like that. Give yourself room to breath, and know it's totally ok to worry, but try to understand that its one day at a time!