Pregnant women need to undergo multiple examinations during pregnancy to ensure the safety and normal development of the fetus, as well as the health of the pregnant woman. This includes the detection indicator of fetal heart rate, which varies at different stages of pregnancy. So, is it normal to have a fetal heart rate of 173 beats per minute in early pregnancy?
Fetal heart rate is particularly important for assessing fetal intrauterine safety. Before determining whether it is normal, it is necessary to know what the normal fetal heart rate is. The normal fetal heart rate is between 110-160 beats per minute. In the early stages of pregnancy, the fetal heart rate tends to be faster, ranging from 150-160 beats per minute. In the late stages of pregnancy, the fetal heart rate gradually decreases to 140-150 beats per minute, as it undergoes a process of gradual maturation. So numerically speaking, a fetal heart rate of 173 in early pregnancy is abnormal.
But fetal heart rate cannot be just a momentary count, it should be combined with a fetal heart rate monitoring chart over a period of time to determine the condition of the fetus. If the fetal heart rate is occasionally fast, it is generally not a big problem. If it is within a certain period of time, the first thing to rule out is the maternal factor that causes rapid fetal heart rate. For example, maternal fever, anemia, emotional excitement, and just climbing stairs. You should go to the hospital in a timely manner to consult with relevant doctors and have a follow-up fetal heart rate monitoring to see the specific situation.
In short, the fetal heart rate of 173 is relatively high. If it continues to be high for a period of time without vigorous exercise, it is recommended to consult a doctor at the hospital.