How frequently does a baby’s heart rate slow down during labour?

It's not unusual for a baby's heart rate to drop, particularly during contractions. Most of these dips are temporary, and they get back to normal once the contraction is over.

Can tension or nervousness impact my baby’s heart rate during labour?

Yes. Your stress can have an indirect impact on hormone levels and oxygen flow, which can affect the heart rate of your baby. Deep breathing and calming methods can help you stay relaxed.

What to do if the doctor recommends a C-section?

Stay calm and rely on your medical team. A C-section is often the quickest and safest way to ensure your baby receives enough oxygen when the heart rate drops persistently.

What Causes the Baby’s Heart Rate to Drop During Labour?

When you're in labour, every heartbeat of your foetus is cautiously monitored. So if the doctor or nurse mentions a "drop in heart rate", it can instantly cause confusion or fear.

What Is the Normal Heart Rate for a Foetus During Labour?

Before we look at the causes of a drop, it's important to understand what's normal.

During labour, a baby's heart rate usually ranges between 110 to 160 beats per minute (bpm). It's normal for this rate to dip or surge a bit when you’re having contractions because labour can be tough on both you and the baby.

But if the rate stays below 110 bpm for more than 10 minutes, that could be a sign the baby is in distress, or not getting enough oxygen.

What Makes Your Baby’s Heartbeat Drop During Labour?

There are several reasons why your baby's heart rate might dip, and not all of them are worrying. Some are momentary and resolve quickly, while others may need medical attention.

Here are the most common reasons:

1. Pressure During Contractions

Each contraction tightens your uterus, reducing oxygen and blood circulation to your foetus for a moment. This might make your baby’s heart rate slow for a bit, referred to as variable declaration. Usually, it’s not a big deal, as long as their heartbeat goes back to normal after each contraction.

2. Umbilical Cord Compression

Sometimes, during labour, the umbilical cord might get squeezed or pressed between the uterus and your baby's body. This can momentarily reduce oxygen and blood supply. If this scenario is quite common and gets worse, your doctor may change your position or suggest an intervention to relieve strain.

3. Insufficient Oxygen

Sometimes, if there are issues with the placenta or the mother’s blood circulation isn’t good, babies suffer from a lack of oxygen. In such instances, you’ll need medical help as this can cause a continuous dip in the baby’s heartbeat.

4. Mother’s Blood Pressure is Low

Sometimes, a mother’s blood pressure can drop, maybe if she’s not hydrated enough or due to the effect of epidural anaesthesia. This can hamper the oxygen supply to your foetus through the blood supply. Doctors usually fix this with IV fluids or adjusting the medicines.

5. Long or Difficult Labour

A long labour can be problematic for both you and your baby. All that stress, tiredness, or even just not getting enough oxygen can sometimes cause the baby’s heart rate to slow down.

When Should You Worry About a Slow Heart Rate?

You should know that not every slow heartbeat is a bad thing. But here’s when you must think seriously about it.

A slow heart rate is alarming if:

It remains below 110 bpm for more than 10 minutes
It keeps happening quite often and doesn’t go back to normal after contractions
It signifies other fatal distress, like infrequent heartbeat patterns or reduced motility

If this happens, your doctor might suggest things like:

Giving you oxygen or fluid through an IV
Suggesting that you maintain the position on your side
Reducing contraction-inducing medications
In some instances, animmediate C-section to ensure the baby's safety

What Needs to Be Done If the Baby’s Heart Rate Drops?

If the doctor says your baby’s heart rate is slowed down, relax. Usually, it’s an easy fix.

Here are the possible instances:

You might have to take the support of an oxygen mask
IV fluids might be given to make the blood circulation better
During difficulties in contractions, medicines can be stopped or altered
Your position is different now. Lying on your side can improve oxygen and blood circulation
Sometimes, if the baby is in danger, the doctors might perform an emergency delivery

Emotional & Mental Aspects

Hearing the baby’s heartbeat slowing down can be worrying. However, you’re not the only one facing this. Medical teams know how to act fast, and usually babies recover after a short time.

Try to:

Concentrate on breathing and calming techniques
Let your partner help you feel better
Trust your medical team. They always prioritise your and the baby’s safety.

What Should You Remember?

Drink enough water and take adequate rest before labour
If you’ve diabetes or high blood pressure, let your doctor know about it
Ask about the methods to monitor your baby during your labour
Cooperate with your medical team calmly and confidently
Your baby responds better in a stress-free environment. Prioritise breathing and emotional balance.

If your baby’s heart rate slows down when you’re in labour, it can be scary. But you don’t need to worry, as it doesn’t always indicate severity. In most cases, it's a temporary response to contractions or subtle changes in pressure. Nevertheless, your medical team will always be your constant companion to take care of the baby. Just stay relaxed, informed, and cooperate with your medical team to make your labour easy and comfortable.

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FAQs on What Causes the Baby’s Heart Rate to Drop During Labour

How frequently does a baby’s heart rate slow down during labour?
It's not unusual for a baby's heart rate to drop, particularly during contractions. Most of these dips are temporary, and they get back to normal once the contraction is over.
Can tension or nervousness impact my baby’s heart rate during labour?
Yes. Your stress can have an indirect impact on hormone levels and oxygen flow, which can affect the heart rate of your baby. Deep breathing and calming methods can help you stay relaxed.
What to do if the doctor recommends a C-section?
Stay calm and rely on your medical team. A C-section is often the quickest and safest way to ensure your baby receives enough oxygen when the heart rate drops persistently.