On 9/12, Dr. Cao Thi Thuy Ha, Deputy Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Viet Phap Hospital Hanoi, reported a case of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). This condition is rare during pregnancy but carries significant risks, including fetal heart failure, fetal hydrops (fluid retention), or the need for premature termination of pregnancy.
The 23-year-old patient received prenatal care at the hospital from the early stages, maintaining stable health. However, at 32 weeks, an ultrasound revealed an irregular fetal heart rate. A subsequent monitoring device reading confirmed an abnormally fast fetal heartbeat, exceeding 200 beats per minute.
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The baby was born healthy thanks to the management of fetal arrhythmia. *Photo: Hospital provided* |
Immediately following the diagnosis, the obstetrics team held an urgent consultation with cardiology specialists. Doctors opted for medical treatment, administering medication to the mother (transplacental therapy). This medication would pass through the placenta to regulate the baby's heart rate in the womb. Throughout this process, the mother's health was closely monitored.
The treatment regimen proved effective. By the 36th week of pregnancy, ultrasound examinations showed normal fetal heart function, and the heart rate returned to a stable physiological range.
When the pregnancy reached 40 weeks, the mother showed no signs of spontaneous labor, so doctors induced labor using a balloon catheter. The natural birth proceeded smoothly. The newborn was immediately transferred to the pediatrics department for specialized cardiac monitoring. Post-birth examinations confirmed the infant was completely stable, with no signs of arrhythmia and no further medication required.
Dr. Ha attributed the case's success to the early detection of the abnormality through routine ultrasound and the timely coordination among specialized departments. She advises pregnant women to adhere to their scheduled prenatal check-ups. Early detection of abnormalities allows doctors to implement appropriate interventions, ensuring a healthy mother and baby.
Le Nga
