Even with excellent medical monitoring during pregnancy, some problems can arise. However, this monitoring will certainly help to ensure these problems do not get worse or turn into something more serious for the pregnant woman. Among the problems that can occur during this phase, fetal extrasystole is perhaps one that many people have never heard of, even though it is not so uncommon.
Problems with the baby’s heartbeat inside the mother always leave parents frightened or even terrified. This is understandable, as it involves something happening in the heart of a child who has not even been born yet.
But while this can be frightening, it is important to be cautious. Not every problem that arises is that serious, even when it involves the heart. For this reason, fetal extrasystole is not a cause for panic.
Of course, medical follow-up is essential, and all mothers and fathers need to understand this even before discovering any problems during pregnancy. To better understand this condition, we need to know what it is, what causes it, the possible complications, and the necessary treatments for fetal extrasystole.
What is Fetal Extrasystole?
It is a cardiac condition where the ventricle (a lower chamber of the heart) contracts faster than it should, before it is fully filled with blood. This causes the fetal heartbeat to be much faster than normal, which can lead to some issues1. Extrasystole occurs in a sequence of 4 phases:
- The regular heartbeat
- A premature ventricular contraction (PVC)
- A pause
- A beat at a faster than normal rhythm
This sequence is not truly a pattern and may occur randomly. When it happens in fetuses, extrasystole is not necessarily harmful as long as the baby’s heart is healthy.
Causes of Fetal Extrasystole
The main cause of this condition is not exactly known. What is known is that it can occur due to developmental delays in a small part of the heart’s structure. Excess adrenaline can also be harmful, which is why it is always recommended for mothers to avoid situations that agitate their nerves.
Another possible cause for this condition is high anxiety on the part of the mother, which may cause certain delays in fetal development. For this reason, high caffeine intake is not recommended, and several types of teas are off-limits for pregnant women.
These factors that cause fetal extrasystole can also affect the mother and cause her to develop extrasystole as well, so extra care should be taken.
What if the Baby is Born with Extrasystole?
In many cases, fetal extrasystole is corrected while the baby is still in the womb, as all the structures of the heart develop properly. If this correction does not occur, various heart problems may arise in the baby. That is why tests should be performed immediately after birth to detect any problems and determine the best way to treat them2.
How to Prevent Fetal Extrasystole
There are some natural remedies that pregnant women can take to help prevent fetal extrasystole. Their main goal is to reduce stress and anxiety, since these are two factors that may lead to the condition developing in a fetus.
Some herbal teas can help calm women, but it is important to be aware of which types of teas are safe or not for pregnant women, as some can contribute to fetal malformation. Practicing specific exercises for pregnant women is also recommended. In addition to reducing stress and anxiety, they also help the woman physically during pregnancy3.
IMPORTANT: Never attempt to self-medicate to treat fetal extrasystole. This can be extremely harmful to both you and your baby.
Dealing with cardiac problems is not one of the most comfortable experiences, especially when it involves a life that is still developing inside a woman. Still, even though all this information may seem scary, it is essential to stay calm in situations like this.
This applies to the mother as well as those around her, since other people’s fear may end up frightening the woman. Researching the complication and talking to your medical specialist are always important steps to take in such situations. This way, the woman will better understand what fetal extrasystole is and how it can be resolved.
See also: How to avoid problems in a high-risk pregnancy?
Photo: Rizome
