The rhythm of arrhythmias in pregnancy

Dr Nihit Shah
26/03/2026

Take home messages

  • Arrhythmias in pregnancy are significant but underrecognized contributors to maternal morbidity and mortality
  • Electrical cardioversion is safe in all trimesters if needed for hemodynamically unstable cases.
  • Catheter ablation is an option in refractory cases of arrythmia but should ideally be deferred postpartum

According to the Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audit and Confidential Enquiries (MBRRACE-UK’s) 2023 report, cardiac disease was a leading cause of maternal mortality during the peripartum to a year postpartum – contributing to 14% of all maternal deaths in the UK.