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At what gestational age is a fetal heart rate of 164 bpm most likely detected?

  1. 8 weeks

  2. 14 weeks

  3. 20 weeks

  4. 26 weeks

The correct answer is: 14 weeks

A fetal heart rate of 164 beats per minute is most commonly detected around 14 weeks of gestation. During the first trimester, specifically between 10 to 12 weeks, the fetal heart rate usually ranges from 120 to 160 bpm. However, it can be slightly higher around 14 weeks, often peaking at around 160 to 180 bpm. By 20 weeks of gestation, the typical fetal heart rate starts to decrease and stabilize, falling mainly in the range of 120 to 160 bpm. By the time a fetus reaches 26 weeks, the heart rate continues to decline and generally remains steady, usually falling in line with the 120 to 160 bpm range typical of later gestational stages. The understanding of fetal heart rate patterns is crucial for assessing fetal well-being throughout pregnancy, making it important to recognize the typical ranges at different gestational ages.