In some instances, these episodes are symptoms of a heart disturbance. Most of the time it has to do with other changes in the blood flow and circulation during pregnancy, but sometimes it is due to a heart-rhythm problem that needs to be addressed. Arrhythmia disturbances impair the heart's ability to pump blood adequately. The condition becomes more perilous during pregnancy. Although 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. Fertile women typically are excluded from new drug trials, so Page suggests physicians stick with drugs that have proven records of safety. Those are usually the oldest drugs on the market. They should also be confident that some drugs are relatively safe. Pacemakers, or defibrillators, occasionally are used for treatment.