A surprising case of sustained antenatal fetal bradycardia

Persistent fetal bradycardia noted in the antenatal period can occur secondary to maternal conditions, fetal cardiac structural defects, or from congenital heart block. Fetal bradycardia can be mistaken for maternal pulse and should be confirmed with ultrasound whenever possible. Prompt evaluation of the fetus with bradycardia can lead to early interventions designed to prevent cardiac damage and/or hydrops.