PVCs and c-sections

I am 29 weeks pregnant and have been experiencing PVCs which I have been evaluated for by a cardiologist. They have decided I should go untreated for these at least until after the baby is born in March. I had a normal echocardiogram and my halter showed only 205 PVCs and 9 PACs, but I think I have more on "bad" days. It just happened to be a "good" PVC day for me while wearing the halter. Anyhow, I had a c-section with my first child so I will have one this time too. Only I never had any PVCs until this pregnancy, so I am wondering if there will be any additional risk during the surgery to my heart and myself. Will these PVCs cause any complications during or after the surgery? Thanks for any input!

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

MommyinKy,

Thanks for your questions.

PVCs during pregnancy have essentially the same prognostic implications as in women who are not pregnant.  Women with otherwise normal hearts who have PVCs can expect to have a similiar long-term prognosis as women who do not have PVCs.

PVCs can be very distressing, as is evident by the comments shared on this forum.  Some coping mechanisms to consider while pregnant may include yoga, bio-feedback, light exercise, and stress management.  The exercise and yoga should obviously be discussed with your obstetrician.

New onset PVCs can be associated with stress, changes in caffeine intake, sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, among others.  You will notice that this list contains just some of the fun items associated with pregnancy!  Changes in thyroid function can occur during pregnancy and are often overlooked by physicians as a cause of PVCs -- a simple blood test can double check this possibility.

I know of no adverse effect that these PVCs could have on the outcome of your pregnancy.  I performed a literature search to double-check my recollection and could find no adverse pregnancy events attributed to PVCs.

Good luck with your new baby.