While pregnant, the body will undergo an amazing set of changes. Changes to the immune system, circulatory system, digestive system and even the nervous system. One of these changes also takes place in the cardiovascular system, the system that is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood around the body. During pregnancy, the heart will pump more blood throughout the body and at a slightly faster rate to sustain both you and the growing baby. So in essence, the heart and its supporting system have to work a little bit harder while you’re pregnant.
In most cases, these changes can be tolerated fairly well but for those with pre-existing heart issues or underlying cardiac problems, these excess demands can take a toll on the body. Examples of pre-existing heart conditions are:
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmias (an irregular heart beat)
- Heart valve issues
- Congestive heart failure
- Congenital heart defect (If you were born with a heart problem, your baby has a greater risk of
developing some type of heart defect, too)
How pregnancy will affect both mother and baby will depend on the nature and severity of the pre- existing condition. It also means that doctors will pay a little more attention to women with one or more of these issues.
The American Heart Association released a report that found cardiovascular disease is now the leading cause of death in pregnant women and women in the postpartum period. This may be due to barriers in receiving pre-pregnancy heart disease assessments or missed opportunities at identifying heart disease risk factors but whatever the case, it is incredibly important to identify any potential heart-related issues early on so that steps can be taken to help ensure a safe pregnancy.
Planning a pregnancy if you have a pre-existing heart condition
If you have a known heart condition and are planning to become pregnant in the near future, make a pre- pregnancy appointment to speak to your doctor. They can ensure that your heart condition is being treated as effectively as possible and provide some guidance on steps you can take to have a smooth and successful pregnancy. This may include tips on
- Healthy eating
- Starting prenatal vitamins
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol intake
- Encouraging light exercise
- Taking medications as prescribed
Staying healthy before and during pregnancy
The best thing women can do to minimize their risk of pregnancy-related complications is to optimize their health before getting pregnant. That means trying to maintain a healthy weight and taking all medications as prescribed. Getting any heart issue under control as much as possible prior to becoming pregnant is the best way to start.
What to expect while pregnant
If you are pregnant and have a known heart condition, the good news is that there is better care for women with heart disease today than ever before. You can expect to have your pregnancy monitored a little bit closer with scans and prenatal checkups. This includes
- Ultrasound scans
- Blood pressure checks
- Urine tests
- Blood tests
As you get further along your pregnancy, check-ups will occur more regularly. Be sure to keep all your prenatal appointments, these are all important.
Labour and delivery
Depending on your condition and how the pregnancy has unfolded, your doctor may recommend delivering your baby at a medical center that specializes in high-risk pregnancies. This is not necessary in all cases but may be considered as precaution in some instances. Your doctor will always discuss all labour and delivery options that are available to you.
Pregnancy puts added stress on the heart and circulatory system but many women who have heart conditions will go on to deliver healthy babies and have successful pregnancies. Good prenatal care, attending checkups and contacting your doctor if you have any questions are all factors that will go a long way towards having a safe pregnancy.