1. Will I pass my heart condition on to my child?
If you were born with a heart problem or have an inherited heart condition, your baby is more likely to have a heart condition. This applies equally to mothers and fathers. The chances of this vary widely depending on the type of condition you have, from less than a one in 20 chance in many congenital heart problems to one in two in some inherited conditions. Your doctor can advise on the chances of your baby developing a heart condition.
2. What are the risks of pregnancy for me?
Pregnancy and childbirth always require the heart to work a lot harder and put more strain on the blood vessels. Any condition where the heart does not pump as well as normal or where there could be a problem with the circulation makes you more likely to have problems during pregnancy.
It is important to discuss your risk with your cardiologist before you stop contraception.
Before trying for a pregnancy, make sure conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are being treated as well as possible, exercise to improve your fitness and aim for a healthy weight.
3. In what circumstances should I not try to get pregnant?
There are some heart conditions where pregnancy is unsafe for both the mother and baby.
These include severe heart failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension and weakening or enlargement of your aorta, as well as previous peripartum cardiomyopathy (heart failure as a result of pregnancy or birth) which has left any lasting damage.
Other conditions, including narrowing of a heart valve, heart valve replacement, complex congenital heart disease or low oxygen levels in your blood, mean you are at increased risk from pregnancy, so speak to your cardiologist before stopping contraception. They will also be able to advise you on how to reduce your risk if you do try to become pregnant, and will make sure you are closely monitored during pregnancy.
4. Can I take heart medications during pregnancy?
Speak to your specialist for advice before stopping any medication. Some medications will need to be stopped, such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, statins and spironolactone (a type of diuretic). Warfarin may need to be changed for a different anticoagulant (blood thinner).
In the past, beta-blockers were said to reduce the baby’s growth, but the way they are used now, the risk is very small.
