Electrocardiography in normal pregnancy

Abstract

Aim: The primary objective was to study the electrocardiogram (ECG) findings of normal pregnant women in their third trimester. The secondary objective was to compare the ECG findings of pregnant women in their third trimester with the ECG findings during the postpartum period. Materials and Methods: An Electrocardiography recording was done for 60 pregnant women during their third trimester and on postpartum day 7. Results: The common ECG findings during pregnancy found in our study were sinus tachycardia, and conspicuous Q wave (LV dilation) and an inverted P wave (nonspecific) in lead II. We also found left axis deviation of a mean of 15° (QRS axis) when compared with the QRS axis of the same patient postpartum (P < 0.05). Conclusion: There are physiological changes in an ECG during pregnancy. A routine antenatal ECG is safe, feasible, economic, and possibly advantageous to lower maternal mortality and morbidity. The ECG findings must be interpreted carefully during pregnancy.