In this article:
What Are Heart Valve Disorders?
During pregnancy, the blood volume expands to supply nutrients to the foetus. Pregnancy increases the amount of blood the heart has to pump. For women with a heart valve disorder, this extra strain can make it harder for the heart to function properly. The heart also beats faster to pump the extra blood around the body. Heart valve disorders can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life because of illness or other conditions.Common Heart Valve Conditions During Pregnancy
The severity of the condition can affect how smoothly the pregnancy progresses.
- Mitral stenosis
- Mitral regurgitation
- Aortic stenosis
- Aortic regurgitation
- Mechanical heart valves
Symptoms of Heart Valve Disorders During Pregnancy
These are some signs and symptoms of a heart valve disorder during pregnancy:
- Difficulty breathing with activity
- Occasional palpitations
- Weakness and tiredness
- Difficulty breathing while resting or lying down
- Chest pain or pressure
- Palpitations that are frequently occurring, long-lasting, or irregular
- Dizzy spells and fainting episodes that have developed recently
- Nighttime coughing or coughing that continues
- Sudden swelling in the legs or face
- Sudden fatigue
Risks Associated With a Heart Valve Disorder During Pregnancy
Both parents must have a thorough understanding of potential issues with pregnancy involving a heart valve disorder.
Maternal Risks:
- Heart failure
- Pulmonary edema
- Arrhythmia
- Stroke
- Progression of the valve disorder
Foetal Risks:
- Premature birth
- Low foetal weight
- Foetal distress during labour
- Minor risk of congenital heart disease
The Importance of Planning Pregnancy With Heart Valve Disorders
Planning a pregnancy can help identify potential risks, optimise heart health, and improve outcomes for both the mother and the baby. Before conception, the following steps are recommended:
Ideally, women who want to conceive must visit a cardiologist before planning pregnancy. At this appointment, the cardiologist will conduct tests, for example, echocardiograms, to determine if the heart is functioning properly. Genetic counselling may also be recommended if the valve disorder condition is hereditary and therefore could potentially be transferred to the unborn child. Women who take a doctor-prescribed pregnancy planning course generally have less trouble and more often have very healthy pregnancies compared with women who only realise there is a problem while they are already pregnant.
Diagnosis of Heart Valve Disorders During Pregnancy
If a heart valve disorder is diagnosed during pregnancy, there are several ways to manage it.- Echocardiogram
- ECG
- Chest X-ray
- Blood tests
- Cardiac MRI
When to Contact Your Doctor
Contact your cardiologist or obstetrician immediately if you experience:- Sudden onset of shortness of breath, particularly if it worsens while at rest or lying down
- Chest pain or pressure
- Frequent or irregular palpitations
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Sudden swelling of your legs, ankles or face
- Any reduction in the baby's movements
- Fever or any signs of infection
Do not wait for your scheduled check-up if any of these symptoms arise. Early medical attention can prevent any potential problems from becoming more serious.
A pregnancy with a heart valve disorder is considered a high-risk pregnancy and will require serious attention, but this should not affect you from wanting to become pregnant or lead you to believe the worst will happen. With the correct diagnosis, a well-considered preconception plan, appropriate monitoring throughout pregnancy, and rapid management of new symptoms when they arise, most women with heart valve disease can have a safe pregnancy.
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FAQs on Pregnancy With Heart Valve Disorders: What Expectant Mothers Should Know
- Is it possible for a heart valve disorder to be discovered for the first time during pregnancy?
Yes, that is a very real possibility. The pregnancy causes increased demands on the cardiovascular system. Any woman diagnosed with a heart valve disorder in pregnancy should be seen and reviewed immediately by a cardiologist. - Does having a heart valve disorder preclude me from having a natural delivery?
Not necessarily. A vaginal delivery is preferred as it involves less blood loss and quicker cardiovascular recovery in comparison to a C-section, and thus a more favourable obstetric management. This decision must be made mutually between the woman, the cardiologist and the obstetrician. - Is my baby at risk of inheriting the condition?
If your valve disorder is congenital, then the baby carries a small increased risk of being born with a congenital heart abnormality. Genetic counselling will provide you with accurate and specific information related to your particular circumstances.