Managing Heart Conditions During Pregnancy
Cardiovascular conditions generally cause a pregnancy to be classified as high-risk; but with proper management, most women with heart and circulatory conditions can safely carry a child to term with little to no complications.
During pregnancy, the cardiovascular system works overtime to make sure that the baby gets sufficient oxygen and nourishment. This leads to an increase in heart rate, blood volume and cardiac output, and a decrease in blood pressure. These changes increase the amount of strain on the heart, which in extreme cases might trigger a stroke, cardiac arrest or heart failure. Additionally, those who have congenital heart diseases also run a higher risk of miscarriage and premature birth.
For this very reason, women who have congenital heart defects and diseases are strongly advised to
undergo pre-pregnancy check-ups with a cardiologist and an obstetrician-gynaecologist. Sometimes
the assistance of a maternal-fetal medicine specialist is required to better assess high-risk
cases.
Though very rare, those who are at a much higher risk for severe heart failure, peripheral
cyanosis, Eisenmenger syndrome and pulmonary hypertension may be advised to avoid pregnancy
altogether.
To ensure that the pregnancy is progressing normally, high-risk patients will have more prenatal and
cardiac check-ups.
These check-ups typically involve echocardiograms and electrocardiograms to monitor the condition of the
heart during pregnancy, and sometimes even during and after labor and delivery. Ultrasounds are also used
to monitor the development of the baby and detect fetal heart abnormalities. Symptoms such as difficulty
breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations and bloody coughs, will warrant immediate
medical attention.
- Stick to your appointments with your cardiologist and obstetrician-gynaecologist throughout the pregnancy and even after delivery.
- Ensure that your current medication and dosage have been adjusted to be safe for pregnancy.
- Avoid strenuous activities and high-impact exercises.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or take illegal drugs.
- Monitor your condition regularly and seek prompt medical attention when something doesn’t feel right.
Dr Ann Tan is an established obstetrician and gynaecologist in Singapore who has devoted over 20 years to the care of women and couples struggling with infertility. She is accredited in both fetal and reproductive medicine, and was the former Medical Director of Mount Elizabeth Fertility Centre.
3 Mount Elizabeth #11-12
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre,
Singapore 228510
Tel : +65 6734 8188
Fax : +65 6262 0330
Email : mail@dranntan.com
WhatsApp : +65 8318 9757 (for appointment booking)
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