If you have a heart problem, you need to be extra careful when you are pregnant. Here's what you need to know about heart problems during pregnancy.

What is the effect of pregnancy on the heart?

Pregnancy puts a lot of stress on your heart and circulatory system. To nourish your developing baby, your blood volume during pregnancy will increase by 30 to 50%, your heart will pump more blood every minute and your heart rate will increase.

Labor and delivery can also put stress on your heart. Blood flow and pressure fluctuate dramatically during childbirth, especially when you push. After birth, it can take several weeks for the stress on the heart to heal before you become pregnant.

What are the potential risks?

The risks you face are determined by the type and severity of your condition.

Consider the following illustration:

Problems with heart rhythm. During pregnancy, minor heart rhythm abnormalities often occur. They are usually not the cause for the alarm. If you have an arrhythmia, if you are not pregnant, you will be given medicine.

Problems with heart valves. If you have an artificial heart valve or if your heart or valves are damaged or deformed you are more likely to have difficulties during pregnancy. If your valves are not working properly, you may have problems coping with the increased blood flow that occurs during pregnancy.

In addition, artificial or faulty valves increase the lining of the heart (endocarditis) and the risk of malignant infection of the heart valves. Mechanical heart valves are also dangerous during pregnancy because the blood vessels must be adjusted and the heart valves are at risk of malignant thrombosis (thrombosis). Taking blood thinners can also put your unborn baby at risk.

Heart failure due to heart failure. Heart failure worsens as blood volume increases.

Congenital heart defect If you were born with heart disease, your baby may also have a heart defect. You are also at risk for heart problems during pregnancy and preterm delivery.

Is it true that some heart problems cause more problems than others?

Some cardiac abnormalities, especially mitral or aortic valve stenosis, can be fatal to the mother or baby. Some heart diseases require serious treatment - such as heart surgery - before you try to conceive, depending on the circumstances.

Pregnancy is not recommended for women with Eisenmenger syndrome, a rare congenital disorder that affects the arteries in the lungs and the arteries on the right side of the heart, or high blood pressure (pulmonary hypertension).

What About Prescription Drugs?

Medications you take while pregnant can affect your baby. However, the benefits often outweigh the risks. If you need medication to manage your heart disease, your doctor will prescribe you the safest medicine in the right dosage.

Take your medication exactly as prescribed. You should not stop taking the drug or change the dose on your own.

What should I do to prepare for my pregnancy?

Make an appointment with your cardiologist and health care practitioner who will be monitoring your pregnancy before you become pregnant. You are almost certainly referred to an obstetrician who specializes in high-risk pregnancies (mother-fetus medical professional). You may also want to consult other members of your health care team, such as your primary care doctor.

Before you become pregnant, your medical team will assess how well you are handling your heart disease and find the necessary treatment modifications.

Some heart disease medications are not recommended during pregnancy. Your health care practitioner may vary or select the dosage and discuss related risks depending on the circumstances.

What signs or symptoms should I bring to my doctor's attention?

If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, please contact your health care provider:

• Shortness of breath
• You may experience shortness of breath while resting or trying.
• Rapid heartbeat, rapid heartbeat, or irregular pulse are all symptoms of palpitations.
• Chest pain
• Cough with blood or cough at night

What can I do to avoid complications?

The best way to take care of your baby is to take care of yourself. Consider the following illustration:

• Make sure you keep doing your prenatal checkups. Throughout your pregnancy, see your doctor often.
• Take your medication exactly as prescribed. Your doctor will prescribe you the safest medicine in the right dosage.
• Make sure you get enough sleep. If possible, get regular sleep and avoid excessive physical activity.
• Observe your increasing weight. Getting the right weight for your baby's growth and development can be beneficial. Being overweight puts an extra burden on your heart.
• Control your anxiety. Observe your progress and ask questions. Find out what to expect during your pregnancy and delivery. Knowing what is going on keeps your mind light.
• Find out what is limitless. Avoid smoking, alcohol, caffeine, and illicit drugs