Heart disease in pregnancy

Being pregnant is often a joyous time. And if you have heart disease, we’re here to help you do everything possible to ensure the health of you and your growing baby, right from the start.

What should you know about heart disease in pregnancy?

When you’re pregnant, the amount of blood in your body increases to help your baby develop and grow. Your heart works harder to pump the extra blood, and if you have heart disease, it can lead to symptoms similar to a heart attack. Labor and delivery also add to your heart's workload, with sudden changes in your blood pressure as you push.

Sometime there are complications in pregnancy that can cause heart disease. For example, high blood pressure or diabetes that develops during pregnancy can increase the risk for these conditions later and lead to heart disease.

It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor right away if you’re planning to conceive or are pregnant and have an existing heart condition or symptoms of heart disease. We’ll get you the special care you may need to protect you and your growing baby.

Heart disease symptoms in pregnancy

With heart disease, you may experience symptoms similar to a heart attack while pregnant. If you have any of these signs, call 911 right away.

Signs of heart disease in pregnancy include:

• A racing heart rate
• Heart murmurs
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Diagnosis of heart disease in pregnancy

If you’re pregnant or thinking about having a baby, talk with your cardiologist if you have:

• Arrhythmia
• Congenital heart defect
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Marfan syndrome
• Heart valve disease

To find out how your heart condition is affecting your pregnancy, your doctor may do lab or diagnostic tests, such as an echocardiogram or an electrocardiogram (EKG). Both are safe for you and your baby.

Find out more about our heart and vascular testing and diagnosis.

Treatment of heart disease in pregnancy

We believe in tailoring a treatment plan just for you. We’ll help you manage and treat any heart condition that may exist or develop and guide you on what you can do to take care of yourself – which is the best way to take care of your baby.

Using the results from your testing, our team of specialists will work with you on a treatment plan to protect you and your baby. Our cardiologists partner closely with our obstetricians, pediatricians and cardiac pediatricians, so you’ll receive the personalized, expert care you need, giving you peace of mind to focus on welcoming your newborn.