Contents:
- Medical Video: Congenital Heart Disease and Pregnancy | Cincinnati Children's
- 1. Will the baby have a similar problem if I have a heart disorder?
- 2. Do I have to have a Caesarean section because I have a heart disorder?
- 3. Is it safe to take heart medicine during pregnancy?
- 4. Will I be able to breastfeed?
Medical Video: Congenital Heart Disease and Pregnancy | Cincinnati Children's
1. Will the baby have a similar problem if I have a heart disorder?
Heart abnormalities are the most common birth abnormalities, and women born with heart disorders are at high risk of giving birth to babies with cardiac abnormalities, said Stephanie Martin, D.O., medical director of the labor and obstetric intensive care unit at the Children's Pavilion for Texas Women in Houston If you have congenital heart disease, your baby's heart must be assessed in utero with a fetal echocardiogram, a noninvasive type of ultrasound by a specialist.
A prenatal diagnosis will help you understand how to correct problems and avoid any complications during pregnancy or childbirth. The good news is, most conditions can be repaired after birth.
2. Do I have to have a Caesarean section because I have a heart disorder?
Do not have to. There is a misunderstanding with the general opinion and many doctors that Caesarean section is not only important, but also beneficial in patients with heart disease. In fact, this is not true. Most patients can give birth normally, and are safer than Caesarean section. If the heart is able to tolerate pregnancy pressure, the heart should also be able to tolerate childbirth. If women cannot push during childbirth, the doctor can help remove the baby with forceps or vacuum. Most women with heart disease can receive a local anesthetic injection on the spine if desired.
3. Is it safe to take heart medicine during pregnancy?
Most heart medications are safe in pregnancy, except ACE inhibitors and ACE receptor blockers that are useful for treating high blood pressure, and Coumadin blood thinning drugs.
4. Will I be able to breastfeed?
Breastfeeding is recommended for most women with heart disorders, even those who are taking medication. Discuss adjusting treatments that you will need with a health care provider. Sometimes alternative medicine is recommended.
If you have a congenital heart problem that increases the risk of endocarditis drastically, your doctor may discuss the risk of mastitis while breastfeeding. These common infections can carry risks in this situation. Pumping and giving breast milk may be recommended in some circumstances.
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