Cardiac pregnancy

[Bethany_]

Hello, I am new to the BHF forum. My condition is Tetralogy of Fallot, I have a mechanical valve and I’m currently on warfarin. I am considering pregnancy and would like to connect with someone who has a cardiac condition and has gone through pregnancy. Many thanks

[10gingercats]

Your cardiologist and/.or gynacologist is probably the best person to ask about this.I probably had heart problems when I became pregnant many years ago and a ll went well but with your knowledge you should seek professional advice .

[Bethany_ in reply to 10gingercats]

Thanks for your reply, I’ve had several consultations with cardiologist and understand the risks. I would be interested to hear from someone who has experienced a pregnancy with similar condition.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Bethany_]

Hello Bethany,

I suggest you contact the Sommerville Heart Foundation, which dedicated to young people and adults born with heart problems.

sfhearts.org.uk/

Larger maternity units have a pre pregnancy counselling advice service for women considering a pregnancy if they have a heart condition.

Here is an example of such a service.

rbht.nhs.uk/our-services/he...

You are usually cared for by an Obsterican, a Cardiologist who specializes in caring for women, a midwife, and other healthcare professionals.

[Bethany_ in reply to Milkfairy]

Thankyou, greatly appreciated. I will look into these services.

[ScoobyDoo71]

Hi Bethany, I absolutely agree with Milkfairy comments it’s really important to make sure you are under a shared fare arrangement before during and after pregnancy with an Adult congenital heart disease ACHD centre who will have links to specialist obstetrics. I have ACHD not as complex as yours and had my children 23 and 20 years ago before it was known about pregnancy care for ACHD. Things are loads better now but please ensure you are under specialists.

I was only under general cardiologist and although thankfully had 2 healthy boys my heart health struggled. However I’m sure that’s because I didn’t receive the correct treatment.

If it was now I’m sure it would be managed loads better.

The ACHD specialist nurses I’m sure could put you in touch with others in a similar situation to you also along with those that have been through it. Lots of ACHD women can have a successful pregnancy but key is ensuring right care from before during and post pregnancy.

Good luck

[Bethany_ in reply to ScoobyDoo71]

Thankyou for your advice

[Letsallhope1]

Hello Bethany!I have a very similar history as you: we are Tetralogy of Fallot babies!

My defect was corrected quite successfully and had also a valve replacement but the pulmonary with an organic one so not in need of anti coagulants.

It was my cardiologist knowing that I was still young, in a marriage and at the best of my health to advance the option that I could have been able to carry the burden of a pregnancy.

I had my daughter 16 years ago (I’m now 47) and had the perfect pregnancy.

At the time I was quite thin and I managed to put barely any weight on (less work for the heart).

Even thought I was very well I checked every single week for 9 months by the fantastic cardiac/pregnancy team at the royal Brompton Hospital where I’ve been a patient since 1999.

I didn’t have pre eclampsia and barely any Arrythmias which, at the time, were very successfully controlled.

The fetus was also checked for cardiac defects.

Every single case is different and for me the bottom line is to have the blessing from the cardiologist that your cardiac situation is stable enough to support a pregnancy and that your hospital has a good program to follow your pregnancy closely, because the issue is not much the baby but your changes.

I was told that situation can change very quickly for the worse and some women even went through heart surgery during pregnancy.

Wish you all the best x

[Bethany_]

Thankyou for your advice.