Fetal Heartbeat Chart by Week: What’s Normal, How It’s Measured
Just six weeks along, a little nervous, not sure what to expect, then suddenly, there it is. A tiny, rhythmic flicker on the screen. Fast, steady, and unbelievably real. For many, that moment is when everything shifts: the symptoms, the tired mornings, the little changes, suddenly it all feels worth it.
Most moms never forget the moment they hear their baby’s heartbeat for the first time.
If you’re expecting, chances are you’ll experience a similar wave of emotions. And with it often come very reasonable doubts: Is this normal for six weeks? Should it sound faster later? What do these numbers mean?
This guide will walk you through the fetal heartbeat by week, explain how doctors measure it, what affects the numbers, and when you should reach out to your doctor.
Week-by-Week Heartbeat Chart (Ranges)
Fetal Heart Rate by Week: 6–12 Weeks
| Week | Fetal Heart Rate (bpm) | Notes |
| 6 weeks | 90–110 | Early heartbeat detectable; sometimes called fetal heart rate 6 weeks. |
| 7 weeks | 110–120 | Rapid increase as the heart develops. |
| 8 weeks | 140–170 | Fastest growth phase; heartbeat noticeably stronger. |
| 9–10 weeks | Up to 180 | Peaks before gradually slowing down. |
| 11–12 weeks | 120–160 | Settles into normal rhythm for the remainder of pregnancy. |
Your baby’s heart begins developing very early, often before you even know you’re pregnant. By the time you’re six weeks along, a heartbeat is usually detectable. From there, the heart rate changes rapidly as your baby grows.
Here’s a simple week-by-week overview:
- 6 weeks: The 6 weeks pregnant fetal heart rate is usually between 90 and 110 beats per minute (bpm). Doctors sometimes call this the fetal heart rate 6 weeks or the heartbeat embryo 6 weeks.
- 7 weeks: The heart rate climbs quickly, often ranging from 110–120 bpm.
- 8 weeks: Around this time, you’ll notice the fastest growth. The 8 weeks pregnant fetal heart rate ranges from 140–170 bpm.
- 9–10 weeks: The rate may peak as high as 180 bpm before it gradually slows down.
- 11–12 weeks: You can expect it to settle into a steadier rhythm of 120–160 bpm, which is considered normal for the rest of pregnancy.
When doctors refer to the fetal heart rate by week, they’re essentially looking for patterns that show your baby is developing on track. Don’t worry if your doctor doesn’t give you exact numbers; what matters most is that the heart rate is within a healthy range for your stage of pregnancy.
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How It’s Measured
There are several methods doctors use to check your baby’s heartbeat. Which one is used depends on how far along you are:
- Transvaginal ultrasound: Often used in early pregnancy (around 6 weeks pregnant) to determine fetal heart rate. The probe is gently inserted into the vagina to get a clearer image and detect those early beats.
- Abdominal ultrasound: As your pregnancy progresses, sound waves through your belly are enough to pick up the heartbeat.
- Doppler device: By 10–12 weeks, your doctor may use a handheld Doppler to let you hear the heartbeat during routine visits.
- Non-Stress Test (NST) or Cardiotocography (CTG): In the later stages, especially if there are concerns, these tests track your baby’s heart rate alongside movements.
Hearing your baby’s heartbeat is always exciting, but remember: the exact method depends on how many weeks pregnant you are and what your doctor feels is most accurate for that stage.
What Affects the Number
It’s natural to get curious, or even worried, if the numbers you hear are slightly higher or lower than expected. However, remember that, just like your own heartbeat changes with activity or stress, your baby’s does too.
Factors that can influence fetal heart rate include:
- Baby’s activity: Kicks, stretches, or even sleep cycles can cause temporary changes.
- Mother’s health: Fever, dehydration, or stress can impact the readings.
- Gestational age: The biggest factor. Early on, the rate rises rapidly, peaks around 9–10 weeks, and then steadies.
- Medications: Certain prescribed drugs may temporarily alter the heart rate.
What’s important is the trend over time, not one isolated reading. Doctors look at patterns, not just single numbers.
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Myths vs. Facts
Pregnancy comes with plenty of well-meaning advice, but not all of it is accurate. Let’s clear up a few common myths about fetal heart rate:
1. Myth: The heart rate can predict your baby’s sex.
Fact: A fast heartbeat doesn’t mean girl, and a slower one doesn’t mean boy. The fetal heartbeat by week depends on development, not gender.
2. Myth: If the heart rate drops once, it’s dangerous.
Fact: Temporary fluctuations are normal. Doctors only worry if the pattern shows persistent issues.
3. Myth: You’ll always hear the fetal heart rate in 6 weeks clearly.
Fact: Sometimes it’s detectable, sometimes not until closer to 7 weeks. The fetal heart rate at 6 weeks can be faint, and that’s okay.
When to Seek Care
While most heart rate variations are normal, there are times when it’s important to reach out to your doctor:
- If your doctor consistently finds the rate below 100 bpm at 6–7 weeks.
- If you notice reduced fetal movements in the later weeks, alongside concerning readings.
- If you’re told the rate is too high or too low and it persists across multiple checks.
Remember, unusual readings don’t automatically mean something is wrong. Sometimes they just mean your baby was in a different position or sleeping. Still, it’s always better to ask than to worry in silence.
Conclusion
Hearing your baby’s heartbeat is one of the most beautiful milestones of pregnancy. It’s not just a sound, it’s reassurance, connection, and a reminder of the little life growing inside you. While numbers and charts can sometimes feel overwhelming, remember that your doctor is there to guide you, explain what’s normal, and address your concerns.
Every pregnancy is unique, and so is every baby’s rhythm. Trust your instincts, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to seek reassurance. You’re doing an incredible job already, listening, learning, and caring for your little one even before they arrive.
Faq's
1. When does a fetal heartbeat typically become detectable?
Usually around 6 weeks. That’s when you may hear the heartbeat of fetus at 6 weeks through a transvaginal ultrasound.
2. What are the normal fetal heart rate ranges by week of gestation?
Early on, around 6–7 weeks, it starts near 90–120 bpm. The fetal heart rate 8 weeks in rises to 140–170 bpm. After 12 weeks, it generally settles between 120–160 bpm.
3. How is fetal heart rate measured?
It can be checked by transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound, handheld Doppler, or later through NST/CTG. The method depends on how far along you are.
4. What factors can temporarily raise or lower the fetal heart rate?
Baby’s activity, your stress or hydration levels, certain medicines, and even the time of day can all make a difference.
5. Can fetal heart rate predict the baby’s sex?
No, that’s just a myth. The heart rate reflects your baby’s development, not whether you’re having a boy or a girl.
6. When should an unusual heart rate prompt a call to the doctor?
If it’s consistently too low (below 100 bpm early on), too high, or paired with reduced fetal movements, always check in with your doctor.