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?
What can I expect during prenatal visits?
You'll see your health care provider often during pregnancy. Your weight and blood pressure will likely be checked at every visit, and you might need frequent blood and urine tests.
How often you see your cardiologist during your pregnancy will depend on the severity of your heart condition. Your health care provider might use certain tests to evaluate your heart function, including:
- Echocardiogram. This is a type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to produce images of your heart and the structures within your heart.
- Electrocardiogram. This test records your heart's electrical activity.
