Concerns About Cardio Fitness During Pregnancy with POTS
I’m a 36-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 7 inches and weighing 180 pounds, currently 30 weeks into my pregnancy. I've been prescribed metoprolol, along with allergy medications and a prenatal vitamin, and I have a diagnosis of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Lately, I’ve noticed a troubling decrease in my cardiovascular fitness. I understood that during pregnancy, VO2 max should increase due to a rise in blood volume, yet my situation seems contrary. Last year at this time, my VO2 max was recorded at 30, but now it has plummeted to 16. Although my cardiologist reassures me that there’s no cause for concern, any physical activity feels incredibly strenuous, akin to running a marathon. I’m seeking confirmation that this decline in fitness is indeed normal under these circumstances?
Answers (1)
2/5/2026, 8:40:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're feeling concerned about your cardiovascular fitness during pregnancy, especially with your diagnosis of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). While it is common for cardiovascular changes to occur during pregnancy, individual experiences—especially with POTS—can vary significantly.
Key Points:
- POTS and Pregnancy: POTS can affect your ability to tolerate physical activity and monitor your heart rate, making exercise feel more demanding.
- Changes in VO2 Max: It’s not unusual for pregnant individuals with POTS to experience decreased exercise capacity, despite the general increase in blood volume that affects others.
- Physical Activity: Feeling severely fatigued during routine activities could indicate that your body is adjusting to both pregnancy and POTS.
Explanation:
During pregnancy, many women experience an increase in heart rate and blood volume, which can sometimes enhance cardiovascular fitness; however, with POTS, this situation can complicate your ability to maintain or improve fitness levels. The drop in your VO2 max to 16 is concerning but can be influenced by a variety of factors, including fatigue, blood flow changes, and how your body copes with both pregnancy and POTS symptoms.
Next Steps:
- Activity Monitoring: Keep a log of your physical activity and how you feel after each session. This can help identify patterns and triggers.
- Hydration and Salt Intake: Ensure you stay well-hydrated and consider your electrolyte balance. Increased salt intake might help manage POTS symptoms for some people, but consult your healthcare provider before making notable changes.
- Rest and Recovery: Pay attention to your body's signals and allow yourself plenty of rest. Balancing activity with adequate downtime is crucial.
- Gentle Exercise: Engage in low-impact exercises like walking or swimming, if possible, and adapt the intensity to how you feel. Even short, frequent activity can help without overexerting yourself.
- Regular Check-Ins: Maintain communication with your healthcare team, especially regarding both your heart health and pregnancy.
It’s important to keep working with your healthcare providers to ensure you're managing both POTS and your pregnancy effectively. If you notice any significant changes or have worsening symptoms, reach out to them promptly. You're doing a great job by being proactive about your health.
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