Fetal ectopic heartbeat

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My sister is pregnant with her fourth child. Her baby has been diagnosed with "ectopic beats". The doctor says that it's usually not a major problem and usually disappears either before birth or shortly thereafter, but her baby is having ectopic beats nearly every other beat. I am having a difficult time finding information about this condition (I'd assume it's a PAC or PVC, but don't really know much about the specifics). Does anybody know about fetal ectopic heartbeats or have any recommendations of places to look? I (as well as my sister who is very worried) would appreciate it very much. Thank you.

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Specializes in High Risk In Patient OB/GYN.

I have no tangible resources for you, but I can say that as an antepartum nurse, every single (fetal) patient I've had who had ectopic beats came out with GREAT apgars, and only one spent a few days in NICU for observation, the rest went to newborn nursery then home.

I know this sounds rudimentary, but did you google it?

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Don't sweat it. They usually turn out to be nothing.

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Specializes in ER.

I know nothing, except we delivered an infant at our low risk hospital, everyone was in a froth about why the doc didn't transfer. The baby came out pink and beautiful, and totally ectopic free withint the hour.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Most cases resolve without any intervention from a doctor. I have seen numerous arrhythmias in-utero that self-resolved after birth.

Try hard not to worry too much. I hope all turns out well for your sister and her new baby.

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