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Pregnancy

Ectopic heartbeats

4 replies

MessiS · 14/09/2015 14:18

Hi everyone,

I've heard this is a brilliant community so here goes, my first post.

My little man is due in 9 weeks and i've recently been told that he has ectopic heartbeats. The midwife was pretty relaxed about it and said it generally sorts itself out, however me being me, i'm researching online and Dr. Google implies it's not all that common, affecting 1-2% of pregnancies.

Have any of you had a similar experience? I'm wondering if I should seek a second opinion.

OP posts:

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Junosmum · 14/09/2015 14:33

Don't know about in utero but I have ectopic heartbeats myself (palpitations caused by a skipped or extra beat). Feels weird but I've had them since I can remember. I've had heart scans and all is normal. So long as they present no additional symptoms (shortness of breath etc) they are usually harmless. Mine has no obvious cause - I had a mitral valve prolapse, which they thought was the cause but it has since fixed itself and I still get them - I have no other issues.

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roseformyrose · 14/09/2015 15:48

Yes, I have them as an adult too! Also a mitral valve prolapse like you "Junosmum", so I guess the two can be linked.

I also have no other issues aside from the weird feeling of my heart skipping, and have been perfectly fit and healthy my whole life so far.

From what I've been told about ectopic beats, they can be genetic and usually require investigation to check that there's no additional problem, but of themselves they're not dangerous at all. I'm sure they'll continue to monitor you're baby's heartbeat just in case, but I wouldn't be too worried. I would also stay away from Dr Google, he shouldn't have a licence to practise!

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ButEmilylovedhim · 14/09/2015 16:26

My DD7 has these. She's been investigated and nothing bad found, but they've recently started increasing in frequency, so she's being referred again. I'm relieved to hear they're usually not serious. All the best with your pregnancy OP. It's a worrying time but I'm sure your little one will be ok. My DD is certainly very lively

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MessiS · 14/09/2015 17:03

Thanks mums, I really appreciate you all taking the time to reply. I agree with roseformyrose - Dr. Google definitely needs their licence reviewed/revoked!

I think I'll go ahead with the second opinion this week, rather than worry further. Peace of mind etc. I'd prefer to look like a worried first timer as opposed to have to deal with something when he arrives. Preparation/research etc, although I'm sure it's nothing too sinister.

Thanks again!