Though all women are strongly encouraged to seek prenatal medical care as soon as they become pregnant, it is especially important for women with  heart-related conditions. These women are  urged to consult a physician and other qualified healthcare professionals prior to becoming pregnant to discuss possible complications. Heart-related conditions that may be of concern to mothers-to-be  include:  

Even a normal pregnancy places extraordinary demands on the heart. For example, cardiac output, or the amount of blood pumped by the heart, may increase 30 to 50 percent during the latter stages of a pregnancy. During labor and delivery, it may increase by 80 percent. Similarly, the maternal heart rate increases by 15 to 20 beats per minute. As a result of these changes, existing heart disease may be aggravated or new heart conditions may develop.

There is also the possibility that the fetus is at increased risk for heart complications. For example, some heart defects appear to run in families. A baby born to a parent (male or female) who has a heart condition has an increased chance of having congenital heart disease. It has also been shown that a family history of early heart disease on the mother’s side increases the risk for delivering a low birthweight baby.

Women with heart disease are strongly encouraged to work closely with their physicians before and during their pregnancy. Before pregnancy, all heart patients should obtain a full check-up, which includes a medical history, physical examination, echocardiogram and electrocardiogram. These tests will measure the function of the heart and establish and important baseline for the physician to use during the pregnancy. During the pregnancy, the expectant mother should be monitored by her physicians and closely follow all instructions. Medications may be altered, lifestyle changes may be recommended and fetal monitoring (e.g., ultrasound) may be increased. Issues to consider for the patient and child by the physicians include:

• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
  
  
• Problem with the pumping chambers of the heart (ventricles)
  
  
• The need for maintenance with medication, including antibiotics and anticoagulants

Some heart-related conditions carry greater dangers for the mother and/or the child. Expectant mothers are encouraged to work with their physicians to determine which approach (e.g., medication or bed rest) is the most appropriate. Studies show that good prenatal care, which includes close physician participation throughout the pregnancy, increases the chances of a healthy mother and baby.