“What are my cardiac risks during pregnancy?”
I am a 28 year old woman. As a child I had a hole in my heart and underwent treatment. I am currently 4 mos pregnant. Given my cardiac history I am extremely worried if there will be any risks involved at the time of my labor or during the later portion of my pregnancy. Are there any serious risks?
3 Answers
Risks are there. Have a cardiologist check you.
If that is all what you had, “a hole corrected with no other cardiac abnormalities in the heart," and its function has great prognosis during pregnancy. Specifically, not a large VSD and no associated pulmonary hypertension present, a well repaired VSD or ASD with no leakage in the aortic valve usually carries an excellent maternal prognosis to term with a vaginal delivery, or as deemed per obstetrician. At some point, the babe may need an echocardiogram. Not too soon, if he/she appeared healthy as a newborn.
Julia G. Ansari
Cardiologist
It is important to know if you have an ASD or VSD, and if there is any residual defect and also was there any other cardiac anomaly. Get an echo and per the findings, they can recommend if you are at any risk during the pregnancy.
