heart disease and pregnancy

Pregnancy adds approximately 50% extra load to a pregnant women’s heart. If a woman has a heart condition or heart disease before becoming pregnant then it is very important to understand that pregnancy will put extra stress on the heart. Different heart complaints have different implications – the main thing to realise is that a woman who has or “suspects” they have a heart condition should seek professional advise before becoming pregnant. Congenital heart problems can seriously affect health and a Doctor may advise against pregnancy.