Heart Valve Diseases Pregnancy and Heart Valve Diseases
Many women with heart valve diseases have healthy pregnancies and children. But some heart valve diseases may make it harder to get pregnant or cause problems during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor about how to keep you and your baby as safe as possible during pregnancy.
Before you become pregnant
If possible, before you get pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about your heart valve disease and any symptoms you may have. Some types of heart valve conditions can make pregnancy more high-risk. For example, if you have narrowed heart valves (stenosis) or if you have had valve replacement surgery, you will need special care during pregnancy and delivery.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend an echocardiogram or a stress test before you get pregnant. Serious disease may require treatment before you become pregnant.
Some medicines, such as blood thinners, may not be safe to take during pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend a different medicine to take while trying to get pregnant and during pregnancy.
Risks of heart valve diseases in pregnancy
When you are pregnant, serious or untreated heart valve disease increases your risk for some complications:
- Arrhythmia
- Blood clots
- Miscarriage
- Preterm birth
- Cesarean delivery
- Postpartum bleeding
Some heart valve diseases may be passed on to your child. Ask your doctor for information about your condition so you can better understand the risks.