Tell me about FHT, please

[XmasEve]

I'm hoping someone with experience can help me out, it would be much appreciated.

I'm due (2 days ago ;)) with my first baby. Want to avoid the hospital as long as possible, so I've rented a digital doppler to labor safely at home for as long as I can. We've started practicing, to get a feel for how it works. Throughout the pregnancy the baby's FHT have been 120-140. The other night they quickly (in like less than 30 seconds) and steadily climbed to almost 170, then immediately dropped back to the 120s. (Now I'm regretting getting a digital doppler because I think if we had been counting ourselves it wouldn't have scared us so.) It didn't seem to correspond with a Braxton Hicks or anything. It wasn't long-lasting, nor did it seem to have any long-lasting effects, so I chalk it up to just a variable. But it makes me realize how little I know about FHT. Can anyone offer me a quick tutorial online? My Dr. says to check for any decels occuring as a contraction ends, and my midwife says to watch for any sustained high or low FHTs.

I hope this isn't too long. I would apppreciate input from anyone.

Thanks, Meg

[PapayaVagina]

Meg,
I don't know enough about FHTs to say but just wanted to add that if you don't get an answer on this board try http://midwiferytoday.com in their forums. There's lots of midwives in there :) good luck!

[crazy_eights]

What you heard is an acceleration of the fetal heart rate and it is considered a sign of fetal well being. The heart rate being consistantly high can often be seen with a fever or infection and consitantly low would be a problem. The deceleration at the end of and after the contraction are a sign of placental insuficiency, but sometimes you will hear them if you lie too long flat on your back (so don't do it!). Those are some general guidelines. HTH.

[XmasEve]

Thanks! That's just the layman's terms info I needed.