Complete heart block is characterized by defect in the conduction of electrical signals arising from the sinoatrial node wherein the signals generated in the atrium is not transmitted to the ventricles. It can be very challenging for an obstetrician when patient visits for the first time late in the trimester or in labour. We report a case of congenital complete heart block who was referred at 37 weeks with persistent bradycardia. She eventually underwent a cesarean section under regional anaesthesia. The intraoperative period was managed with atropine and isoprenaline and no pacemaker was used. As complete heart block in pregnancy is associated with a high risk of mortality, multidisciplinary management is mandatory. Close monitoring of the patient with facilities for insertion of a temporary pacemaker as and when necessary and proper follow up in the postnatal period can reduce the mortality rate in these cases.
Key words: Complete heart block in pregnancy, Maternal heart block, Temporary pacemaker, Hemodynamic variations in pregnancy, Prolonged QRS complex
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