Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes profound changes in a woman’s body, including her cardiovascular system. To support the growing fetus, the mother’s blood volume and the work her heart does increases by up to 50 per cent. As a result, her heart rate increases and her blood pressure decreases. Along with these changes, labour presents additional challenges to the heart and cardiovascular system. Heart disease is a complication in up to 4 of every 100 pregnancies.
Because these changes are so dramatic, it is not uncommon for pregnant women to experience symptoms associated with heart disease. The most common of these symptoms include heart murmurs, blood pressure problems and arrhythmias, which are changes in the speed or pattern of the heartbeat. If you are pregnant, it is important that you report unusual symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Pre-existing Heart Conditions
Women who have a heart condition or who have had an event such as a heart attack, heart failure or stroke should talk to their doctor before deciding to become pregnant.
Pre-existing Heart Disease Risk Factors
Women who have risk factors for heart disease prior to becoming pregnant are at increased risk for complications during pregnancy. These risk factors include:
Congenital Heart Defects and Inherited Conditions
Women with congenital heart defects or other inherited cardiovascular conditions such as arrhythmias have additional factors to consider before deciding to become pregnant. For example:
- The their own health and the nature of their heart condition
- The need to take medications that could impact the fetus
- The possibility of passing on an inherited condition to the baby
Individual situations vary based on the mother’s specific condition. Many women have safe and successful pregnancies. However, in some situations, pregnancy may not be advisable. If you have a congenital or inherited condition, you should consult your doctor before deciding to become pregnant.
