POTS and I'm pregnant!

Well....I'm very excited to say that I found out 2 weeks ago that I'm pregnant! Although my family doesn't know yet (my husband and I are waiting a bit to tell them) I wanted to share with everyone here because I'm gonna need all the advice I can get!!!! Especially from those who have POTS and can share with me their pregnancy/delivery stories! I went to my OB yesterday and saw the heartbeat even though I'm only 6 weeks:), he wanted to see me a little early....Until the last 2 days I was feeling okay. Today has been the worst so far. I get really lightheaded when I go from sitting/laying to standing. Just plain dizzy all the time. I know I could feel a lot worse so I'm trying not to complain....I'm kinda hoping its the first trimester blues and that things will get better! I look forward to hearing everyone's advice and please keep your fingers crossed for a safe and healthy pregnancy!
Thanks in advance:)

[enzymelover]

I don't have any advice for you at this time, but I want to congratulate you on your pregnancy! That's wonderful! It's been almost 15 years since my 2nd child was born. Perhaps, as other people comment to you, the memories will come back to me, and then I may be able to offer some advice.
Is this your first child? My pregnancies were wonderful experiences, but I do not, and did not then, have POTS, or anything like that, so I do not know if you are in for a particularly difficult time, or not.

I do wish you a very safe and healthy pregnancy. Congrats!

[lumterps]

Thank you very much! This is my second pregnancy and first since I was diagnosed with POTS....so we will see. I'm just praying the sympotoms don't progress...

[LA1989]

congratulations! Wishing you a healthy, uneventful pregnancy! :)

[LaLa4]

Hi lumterps,
Congrats!!  Please don't take this post as something to scare you, because I have no knowledge about this, I'm just interested in your post because I have the same concerns.
I have no kids and am really scared about having them because I've worried that pregnancy would be really hard on my body with POTS.  I'd love it if you kept us posted on how your pregnancy is for you,  I've never talked to anyone with experience with this so I'd love to know what it's like for someone with POTS (hopefully great!).  
I've also been scared about the 24/7 of a newborn and kids in general, does anyone with POTS have experience with that?
Good luck with it all and I hope you won't have anything to report to us but a great experience!

[lumterps]

Of course I will keep ya'll updated on the pregnancy! I was really hoping some people could shed some light on the matter for me...but no such luck yet...SO, I will let you know how things go. So far I can't complain...I actually feel a little better than I did with my first. The only downfall so far has been an increased resting HR (which is normal in early pregnancy anyway) and dizziness (which again is normal in early pregnancy). I think the sympotms are a little exacerbated right now because I have POTS....but like I said, I KNOW they could be worse and right now I'm NOT COMPLAINING!!!! I will let you know how things go!
P.S. The literature that I have read said that POTS should not be a contraindication for pregnancy:)

[evo123]

Hiya and CONGRATULATIONS xx

I have 3 fabulous daughters aged 2, 3 and 8 years and it is now believed I developed POTS immediately after the delivery of my 1st child although my dx was only made 'probable' last year when I was severe enough to be bedridden.  

Many people are thought to see an improvement in symptoms during pregnancy thought to be due to the increased blood volume whilst carrying.  An important factor I believe is the support and understanding you have from those around you and help when you need it from your doctors.

Below is a link to a text by Blair Grubb and others:

http://www.stars.org.uk/files/file/medical-articles/Pregnancy%20POTS%20final.pdf

My first pregnancy itself was okay and pretty much routine, the labour didn't go as planned so I ended up having an emergency C - section.  It was after this that I first had symptoms, but as a new mum I thought this was normal!!!  My second pregnancy was also not to bad, it was my 3rd that things shown a lot more in me, and I have not been 'right' since.  But this said hun, I would do it all over again!  

My advice would be for you to rest and take things easy, enjoy your pregnancy and remember the basic rules....fluid...fluid...fluid....salt.....and if you can tolerate them compression stockings may help! x

Maybe it would be worth talking to your doctors about what type of delivery would be best for you.  Personally I would elect for a c - section, this way your body will not have the added stress of the labour and birth, but it is a  personal choice and I suppose it also depends on your symptoms closer to the time.  Do not jump to a decision and make sure your maternity docs are up to date on your condition.  

If you have any specific questions you would like to ask me feel free to ask, either on the forum or by PM me, either way I am happy to help xx

[lumterps]

Thanks so much for the advice and sharing of your pregnancy. I'm sorry to hear that you haven't been feeling well...but I'm glad you had all that testing done and hope it helps! I know it is awful when you feel bad....I hate it cuz I feel like I'm always wishing the day away in hopes that the next will be better! Right now I feel like that....I'm having the fun old nausea...but this time around I feel like my heart is beating out of my chest when it is only around 80 resting. I'm not sure if its anxiety or a hightened awareness that my HR has increased due to the pregnancy? I was anxious from day one just because of the unkown effect POTS may/may not have on me during this pregnancy. I try to stay calm and hope for the best but sometimes my nerves get the best of me. Do you recall feeling like your heart was beating "stronger" during your pregancy?
Rest up and I hope you feel better soon!

[evo123]

Hiya yeah I definately had that feeling more or less through out the whole of my last pregnancy, my resting hr was usually over 100 and I was constantly told that this was common amonst pregnant women as the heart was working harder.  

Some of it may be down to feeling anxious of what to expect and how you are going to be and that is normal, but try and enjoy every moment, your body is working hard to nourish and develop you little one, and take every day as it comes, I know it is easier said but try to relax as much as you can.  

Hopefully your second trimester will see you 'bloom' and improve x

We are all here to support you and help you in any way we can x

[AMO]

I want to give you congratulations!!
I can''t add to any advice in the preg/AD releam...
but i look forward whatcinh your progress with baby!

take good care, amo

[Ruboy]

Hi. just picking up on these posts now. How did your pregnancy go? My wife is 7 months along now and has suffered from POTS long before her pregnancy...Any advice and how things went, especially during labour?