Heart problems and pregnancy

The article was written by Doctor of Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital.

Labor and delivery also increase the workload of the heart. During labor - especially when you're pushing - you'll have sudden changes in blood flow and pressure. It takes a few weeks after giving birth for the stress on the heart to return to the level it was before you were not pregnant.
>>> Have cardiovascular disease, what should be noted during pregnancy?

The risks depend on the type of disease and its severity. Example:
Heart rhythm problems . Minor irregularities in the heart rhythm are common during pregnancy. They usually don't cause problems. If you have a prescription for treatment for an arrhythmia, you will likely be given medication, just as if you were not pregnant. Heart valve problems. Having an artificial heart valve or scarring or malformation of the heart or valves can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. If your heart valves aren't working properly, you may experience difficulty due to increased blood flow during pregnancy.

In addition, an artificial or abnormal valve increases the risk of infection of the lining of the heart (endocarditis) and life-threatening heart valves. Mechanical prosthetic heart valves also pose serious risks during pregnancy due to the need to correct the use of blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medications, the potential for life-threatening blood clots. Taking anticoagulants can also pose a risk to the unborn baby.
Congestive heart failure: As blood volume increases, the heart has to work harder, congestive heart failure can become worse. Congenital heart defects: If you have a congenital heart condition, your baby is also more likely to have some forms of heart defects. Possible heart problems and premature birth.

Certain heart diseases, especially mitral or aortic stenosis, can pose a life-threatening risk to mother and baby. Some heart conditions require priority treatment, such as heart surgery, before you conceive.
Pregnancy is not recommended for women with congenital heart disease with Eisenmenger syndrome or high blood pressure affecting the pulmonary artery and right heart (pulmonary hypertension).

Medicines you take during pregnancy can affect the unborn baby. However, medication must be taken if the benefits outweigh the risks. If you need medication to control your heart condition, your doctor will prescribe the safest medication at the dose that is most appropriate for you.
Take medication exactly as prescribed. Do not stop the drug or adjust the dose yourself.

Before you want to get pregnant, schedule an appointment with a cardiologist. You will likely be referred to an obstetrician who specializes in very high-risk pregnancies.
The medical team will evaluate your heart condition and consider any treatment changes you may need before becoming pregnant.
Some heart medications should not be used during pregnancy. Depending on the case, your doctor will adjust the dosage or substitute and explain the risks involved.

You will see your Obstetrician regularly during your pregnancy. Your weight and blood pressure will be checked at each visit, and you may need frequent blood and urine tests.
How often you see a cardiologist during pregnancy will depend on the severity of your heart disease. Your doctor may recommend laboratory tests to evaluate your heart function, including:
Echocardiogram: This is a type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to view the structure and function of your heart. Electrocardiogram: This test records the electrical activity of your heart.

The health care provider will monitor the baby's development throughout the pregnancy. Routine exams and ultrasounds will help monitor your baby's growth, and specialized ultrasounds can be used to detect fetal heart abnormalities. Your baby may also need monitoring or treatment after birth.

Good maternal care is the best way to take care of the fetus. For example:
Routine prenatal check-up. Drink medicine with order. Rest much. Take a daily nap. Track your weight gain. Gaining the right amount of weight will support your baby's growth and development. Gaining too much weight puts extra strain on your heart. Emotional control. Ask questions about pregnancy progress. Make your own wishes during labor and delivery. Knowing what is and will happen at birth can help you feel more comfortable. Things to avoid: smoking, alcohol, caffeine and drugs.

Contact your doctor if you have any of the following signs or symptoms:
Shortness of breath Shortness of breath with exertion or at rest Tachycardia, fast heartbeat or irregular pulse Chest pain Coughing up blood or coughing at night

Your doctor will recommend giving birth in a medical facility that specializes in high-risk pregnancies. If you have cardiovascular concerns or you will have several specialists present during labor.
Specialized equipment can be used to monitor you during labor. Your heart rate and heart rate may need to be monitored throughout labor and delivery.
Your uterine contractions and your baby's heart rate will be continuously monitored. Instead of lying on your back, you may be asked to lie on your side and bring one knee toward your chest.
To relieve stress from pain, your doctor may recommend that you give medication through a catheter to the spine (epidural) or an injection into the spine to control pain. If you had a vaginal birth, your doctor may be able to limit your push-ups by using forceps or a vacuum to help deliver your baby.
If you are at risk for endocarditis, you may be treated with antibiotics right before and after delivery.
Need cesarean section when the heart condition is severe. If a caesarean section is unfortunately necessary, special precautions will be taken to monitor heart function. Your doctor may recommend scheduling your delivery to have your labor under control if you have some form of severe heart disease during your pregnancy.

Breastfeeding is recommended for most women with heart disease, even if the mother is taking medication.
Women with heart disease who are breastfeeding require consideration of the drug content in breast milk that may cause adverse effects on the nursing infant as well as the potential effect of the drug on lactation.
Close cooperation between obstetricians and cardiologists in the antenatal period and in labor is essential to ensure the safety of mother and child. With the close cooperation between the departments at Vinmec International General Hospital, customers can be completely assured of the accuracy and safety of tests and examinations during pregnancy and childbirth.