What should you know about a fetal electrocardiogram?

An electrocardiogram, also called an ECG or EKG, uses adhesive electrodes to detect the heart's electrical activity. It can help clinicians assess rhythm and clues about how the heart is working. It does not measure fetal movements or directly diagnose the baby.

Pregnancy teams may arrange a maternal ECG for palpitations, dizziness, fainting, chest discomfort, breathlessness, or a pre-existing cardiac concern. Conditions such as atrial fibrillation, angina, and heart failure require assessment in the context of the person's symptoms and examination; an ECG alone does not confirm or exclude every cause.

Tell the clinician you are pregnant and list your medicines and relevant medical history. Wear a top that can be adjusted for electrode placement, avoid body lotion on the chest that day, and lie or sit still during the recording. Ask whether you need a follow-up appointment to discuss the result.

Call emergency services for severe or ongoing chest pain, marked breathing difficulty, collapse, or fainting with a racing or irregular heartbeat. Contact your maternity service urgently for reduced fetal movement, bleeding, suspected fluid loss, or painful regular contractions. Do not delay urgent care while waiting for an ECG appointment.

Ask which heart question the ECG is intended to answer, whether fetal monitoring is also needed, what happens if the tracing is unusual, and how your medicines or pregnancy stage affect the plan. A GP consultation can help coordinate referral when symptoms persist.