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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 signs or symptoms should I report to my health care provider?

Contact your health care provider if you have any signs or symptoms that concern you, particularly:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Shortness of breath with exertion or at rest
  • Heart palpitations, rapid heart rate or irregular pulse
  • Chest pain
  • A bloody cough or coughing at night

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