Cardiac disease and Pregnancy
February 25, 2008 by admin
As with any pre-existing condition, if you have cardiac disease it is very important that you seek advice from your cardiologist and obstetrician before becoming pregnant. Your doctor may advise pre-conception surgery to correct… an existing cardiac defect. During pregnancy, your antenatal care should be combined with your cardiologist and obstetrician. Depending on your condition, antenatal visits may be more frequent than normal. It is important that you have a dental exam during your pregnancy. There is a direct link between bacterial endocarditis (inflammation of the membrane that lines the inside of the heart) and dental treatment, so if you require any dental treatment you will be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection. In late pregnancy there maybe a need to go to hospital for rest and close monitoring of your condition.
At the end of your pregnancy, during labor and delivery you will have more “attention” than usual in that you may be given antibiotics, both your heart rate and baby’s heart rate may be monitored, delivery maybe assisted by forceps so that you don’t have to push and breath too heavily or alternatively a c-section maybe scheduled. After giving birth you will be monitored closely due to the increased blood levels in your system that can place extra strain on your heart.
