Articles
Heart conditions and pregnancy: Know the risks
Content
How does pregnancy affect the heart?
What are the risks?
Do some heart conditions cause more complications than others do?
What about medication?
How should I prepare for pregnancy?
What can I expect during prenatal visits?
How can I make sure my baby is OK?
How can I prevent complications?
What signs or symptoms should I report to my health care provider?
What about labor and delivery?
Will I be able to breast-feed my baby?
How can I make sure my baby is OK?
Your health care provider will monitor your baby's development throughout the pregnancy. Routine ultrasound exams can be used to track your baby's growth, and specialized ultrasounds can be used to detect fetal heart abnormalities. Your baby might need monitoring or treatment after delivery as well.