Can pregnant women wear a Holter monitor (dynamic electrocardiogram)?

Jul 18, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am four months pregnant and need to go to the hospital for a physical examination. May I ask, can a pregnant woman undergo a Holter monitor (dynamic electrocardiogram)?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu

Pregnant women can undergo Holter monitoring, which is a non-invasive and relatively safe method for monitoring cardiac activity. A Holter monitor continuously records electrocardiographic signals for 24 hours or even longer, helping physicians detect potential arrhythmias or other cardiac issues in pregnant women, especially when standard electrocardiograms fail to capture such abnormalities.

During pregnancy, if a physician deems this test necessary for evaluating cardiac health, the necessity of the examination and its potential risks will typically be weighed. Generally, Holter monitoring does not pose any harm to either the mother or the fetus, as it does not involve radiation or invasive procedures. However, pregnant women should inform their physician of any concerns before the test and follow medical advice to ensure the procedure is comfortable and safe. Any discomfort or questions during the monitoring should be promptly communicated to the healthcare provider.