Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say it's not uncommon for pregnant women to become lightheaded or to faint. While most of the time, the fainting spell is related to changes in circulation during pregnancy, it can point to a bigger problem. And treating a pregnant arrhythmia patient has problems all of its own. Arrhythmia disturbances impair the heart's ability to pump blood adequately. In the case of pregnant women, while the blood flow and blood pressure to the mother may be preserved, flow to the fetus could be jeopardized.
Treatment can vary from observation to implanted devices or aggressive drug therapy.
Drugs should be considered carefully because of risk of transmission to the fetus in the uterus or through breast milk after birth. UT Southwestern researchers suggests physicians stick with drugs that have established safety records. If you have any questions, speak up. This is another time where close doctor-patient communication is vitally important. Other Topics Health Watch is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional.