Heart Issues during Pregnancy

jennlun

Hi everyone, 

I am currently 24 weeks pregnant. Feeling decent (apart from the normal symptoms, I suppose!), however, I have recently been experiencing episodes of atrial fibrillation and a heart rate consistently around 180. One episode lasted for about 8 hours, and I was admitted to the hospital at around hour 2. As a result, I have been prescribed metoprolol, a beta blocker. I am wondering if anyone on these forums has also been prescribed metoprolol (or any beta blocker, really) during their pregnancies?

I ask because the cardiologist who has been following me has advised that some babies who have been exposed to metoprolol in utero are underweight at birth, and others have to be themselves followed by a cardiologist as they experience bradycardia shortly after birth.

Any knowledge/suggestions/experience anyone has about this would be helpful! I would also be interested in seeing if there are others who are in the same (or similar) boat as me who are due at around the same time!

JennEpp1016

I take it...40 mg a day twice a day and I've been on it almost my whole pregnancy. I was actually switched from a different beta blocker to metoprolol because there's more research on metoprolol in pregnancy than my last med. In terms of beta blockers generally, I have been warned about the low birth weight issue, but all of my doctors have said that the one study that finding was based on had a lot of confounding variables and isn't all that reliable. I'm getting an extra ultrasound at 35 weeks to measure development, but otherwise, doesn't seem to be a cause for concern for my doctors, so I'm not worried about it. Also, for what it's worth, our baby looked good on the 20 week scan. I can update you Monday after our 28 week ultrasound, too.

JennEpp1016

So I was wrong before...I take 25 mg twice daily (not 40 mg). But regardless, had our 28 week scan today and baby's still measuring on target. So really I don't think the medicine is anything to worry about. Good luck!

essablero

Hello I have this problem I have high heart rate and they prescribed me metoprolol twice daily . But when I read it that the babies can have arithmia when they born I got scared and I didn't take it I asked my doct Nd he said no it's safe but if u don't want to take then don't , I need it that but I'm scare of my babies cause I'm having twins and of course I have to much fluid on my body , I have all the time but I try to not think and to relax hope everything is ok with u now , let us know if u are feling the same or better

LoriN103

I also take a beta-blocker and was on one prior to pregnancy. This was a concern when I found out I was pregnant but all my docs said you are at more risk by not taking something to control your heart rate and/or BP. The plus side is you get some extra ultrasounds and get to see your LO

jennlun

@JennEpp1016 - great news about the 28 week ultrasound!

Thanks for everyone's responses. I'm at the point in the pregnancy where I am stressed about most things, so it is nice (in a strange way) to hear about others who have been on beta blockers.

aliciaspinnet

With any medication in any scenario you have to weigh up the risks and benefits. While I totally understand the desire to avoid medications as much as possible during pregnancy, it's important to keep yourself healthy. Having a heart rate of of 180 bpm is not good for you, and by extension it's not good for your baby. I would trust your doctor on this one - they wouldn't prescribe anything unless they'd weighed up the risks and benefits first.