7 months post ablation & Pregnant

[Amy2805]

Hi Everyone,

So as you know I was doing really well but

Throughout last month I had 3 episodes one being a 60 minute one at 240bpm.

So I went to see my cardiologist yesterday and he said he thinks my pulmonary veins have reconnected therefore it hasn’t been successful and I will need another ablation after the baby is born

I can’t have any more medication to help as I’m pregnant, which I completely understand I’ve waited ages to be a mum so want the baby to be ok.

Something was interested though, he said I wouldn’t need the week heart monitor on me again if I had the apple I watch series 4 as it does ECGs on it. So my parents bless them have just bought me one to use. As you all know we never know when these episodes will happen so it’s handy to have something there all the time to capture instead of it being just a week.

At the minute I can’t go upstairs without my heart racing and feeling breathless. I work with the public (always getting viral infections) and have a very stressful job so I have taken some time off, need to for the babies sake as well as mine.

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

First of all, congratulations! You didn't mention how far along you are in the pregnancy, but it is very normal to have faster heart rate and for pregnancy to trigger some episodes of Afib for those of us who have the Afib substrate. You circulating blood volume increases by more than 50% during pregnancy so that increased work for the heart can definitely trigger arrhythmias. Make sure that your OB doc is working closely with your EP to make sure to manage your heart safely during the pregnancy. Great decision to back off a bit on the stressful job as stress management is an important key, as well as avoiding viral illnesses while pregnant. Once you deliver your Afib episodes may back off again. Eat healthy, stay well hydrated, get good sleep and try your best to manage that stress as you grow a beautiful baby!

[Amy2805 in reply to SRMGrandma]

Thankyou so much for all the information.

I’m only 15 weeks pregnant so far so a long way to go yet.

Thanks again!

[Hidden]

Congratulations on your pregnancy! You need to be hopeful and relaxed. Remember your mind and your body are connected. I love the saying your heart ( and baby) hear what your mind says. So eat healthy, exercise and kiss a fib goodbye. I thing being overly tired and stressed plays a huge role in attracting a fib. Best wishes on your pregnancy💜. So exciting!

[BobD Volunteer]

Congratulations Amy. I remember this was your greatest wish! Well done taking time off as well. You need to look after you right now so b*gger the others. Rest and stay well hydrated. Keep us posted please.

[Kaz747]

Congratulations Amy. Take very good care of yourself. Now, more than ever, you need to listen to your body. All the best x

[Amy2805]

Thanks everyone. I’m a very positive person think we all are on here despite what we go through. I will keep you all updated throughout the pregnancy and fingers crossed AFib will stay away 🤞🏻 Hope your all doing ok and thanks again for all the support.

X

[Dawsonmackay]

Oh Amy! Pregnancy itself can be stressful. You need to take care of yourself and reduce or eliminate outside stresses. Afib lives off of stress.

[Finvola]

Congratulations Amy! It’s now doubly important to have less stress and also to avoid viruses so it was a good decision to back off work.

Stay well, breathe and relax - let us know how you and the baby are progressing. 💕

[rosyG]

Do take care- make sure you are fully hydrated and have potassium rich foods ( something I have found reduces episodes) Good luck - let us know how you get on and post some pictures later on please!

[JanettePearson]

Bless you. I can relate to this albeit 26 years ago. I had a horrible time with my second and last pregnancy and ended up in hospital towards the end because a nasty sickness bug sent my heart crazy. So double whammy!! That was the start of my AF and I've been in hospital since but pregnancy was the worst because of the extra strain and hormones. 26 years later I have a big strapping lad and he is worth the problems I had but the AF remains and is just a part of me now. Good luck with it all from now on. Xxx

[Amy2805 in reply to JanettePearson]

Aw what an awful experience but like you said something amazing come out of it. So I’m sure you felt it was worth it. Glad everything went ok.

I’m the same used to my AF and living with it but I think your more worried when your pregnant. I’m sure I’ll be fine I’m off work and away from the public so I don’t get any bugs and also no stress.

Thanks for your reply xx

[Jc24]

Congratulations Amy! Take good care of yourself!

[Horse57]

Congratulations Amy! I wish you a beautiful blessed time being pregnant and Afib free. Your hormones will definitely contribute but they will even out during your pregnancy at some point. Please let us know how you and the little one are doing. All the best😊

[Amy2805 in reply to Horse57]

Thanks so much. Will keep you all posted

[jedimasterlincoln]

I can't add anything to what has been said already quite excellently..... except.... CONGRATULATIONS!

Just so you know, when we went in to give birth I'd spent the previous day in ED having a DC cardioversion and by time baby was born I'd been awake 28 hours (save for 2 hours at 1am when her contractions weren't too bad) but it all went fine

[Amy2805 in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

Aw Thankyou that’s good to know. Thanks for commenting really appreciate it😊

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to Amy2805]

We also queried if the baby needed extra screening due to my dad having AF, and me having unstable PAF, and it took them 4 hours to decide no. So, regardless of if you're consultant lead or not (and I suspect you will be) ask early and get an answer before 9 months time comes.

[Amy2805 in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

Thank you I will definitely be asking that question. Thanks so much for the information it’s a massive help.

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to Amy2805]

Looking forward to your journey for you!