Common Arrhythmias in Pregnancy

Arrhythmias during pregnancy are increasingly recognized due to increased age, risk factors, and the physiologic cardiovascular changes of pregnancy. Premature atrial contractions, premature ventricular contractions, supraventricular tachycardia, and sinus tachycardia, are benign and often resolve postpartum, with management centered on reassurance, lifestyle modification, and occasionally medication treatment. However, sustained arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter require more comprehensive evaluation, rate or rhythm control, and potential anticoagulation. A structured approach emphasizing symptom assessment, electrocardiogram evaluation, and recognition of high-risk features helps clinicians distinguish benign rhythm disturbances from pathologic arrhythmias, enabling appropriate reassurance, management, and referral to cardiology/cardio-obstetrics teams when necessary.