Pregnancy related outcomes of patients with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome

Author : Majd Alkhoury, Joshua Odendaal, Dawn Adamson, Siobhan Quenby

Abstract : Postural Tachycardia Syndrome is a condition of the autonomic nervous system involving symptoms of orthostatic intolerance as well as non-orthostatic symptoms. There is limited evidence around the course and management of POTS in pregnancy. This study aims to identify the disease course of POTS in pregnancy and associated pregnancy-related outcomes. All women with a known history of POTS between 2021-2023 at a single tertiary centre were included. A retrospective case note review was conducted utilising the electronic patient record. Outcomes, including POTS symptomatology, management, pregnancy complications and mode of delivery were recorded. 20 women were identified. 65% (n=13/20) experienced complications during their pregnancy, of which 60% (n=12/20) experienced a worsening of POTS symptoms and 20% (n=4/20) experienced intrauterine growth restriction. 85% (n=17/20) utilised non-pharmacological methods for POTS management, whereas only 40% (n=8/20) required pharmacological treatment with a beta-blocker. 50% (n=10/20) of patients underwent induction of labour (IOL) between 36-38 weeks, with 40% (n=8/20) undergoing an emergency caesarean section. Rates of IOL were higher than baseline national IOL rates. The study demonstrates that POTS patients are at high risk of pregnancy related complications. A significant proportion demonstrate worsening of symptoms in pregnancy.

Keywords : Pregnancy, dysautonomia, maternal outcomes, orthostatic intolerance, obstetric management, perinatal outcomes, autonomic dysfunction.

Conference Name : International Conference on Healthcare Quality and Innovation (ICHQI - 26)

Conference Place : Tokyo, Japan

Conference Date : 26th Oct 2026