Heart Rate

The Common Vein

Intrauterine Pulse Rates

The fetal begins beating at a rate near the maternal rate at rest, being about 75-80 beats per minute (bpm). By 7 weeks (LMP week 9) it accelerates to 165-185 bpm, an increase of 100 bpm in the first month. It then decelerates to about 150 bpm at week 13 (week 15 after the LMP), and by term it is about 145 bpm.

There is no difference in male and female heart rates before birth.

bat	750
mouse	530
hamster	450
rat	330
guinea pig	280
chicken	280
squirrel	250
rabbit	205
monkey	190
skunk	170
cat	120
goat	90
sheep	75
man	70
giraffe	65
ass	50
horse	45
lion	40
elephant	35
camel	30

Modified from The Merck Veterinary Manual 6th Edition 1986