Pregnancy can be an exciting, happy time. It also can be an anxious time, especially if you have an underlying health problem, such as heart disease. February is American Heart Month, which makes this a good time to learn about heart conditions and pregnancy.
Pregnancy stresses your heart and circulatory system. During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by 30% to 50% to nourish your growing baby. This makes your heart pump more blood each minute and your heart rate increases.
Labor and delivery add to your heart’s workload, too. During labor—particularly when you push—you’ll have abrupt changes in blood flow and pressure. It will take several weeks after delivery for the stresses on the heart to return to the levels they were before you became pregnant.
Preparing for pregnancy
Before you try to conceive, schedule an appointment with your cardiologist and the health care professional who’ll be handling your pregnancy. You’ll likely be referred to an obstetrician who specializes in very high-risk pregnancies. You also might want to check in with other members of your health care team, such as your family clinician.
Your medical team will evaluate how well you’re managing your heart condition and consider treatment changes you may need before you become pregnant.
Certain medications used to treat heart conditions aren’t used during pregnancy. Depending on the circumstances, your health care professional may adjust the dosage or make a substitution and explain the risks involved.
Preventing complications
Taking good care of yourself is the best way to take care of your baby. For example:
- Keep your prenatal appointments.
Visit your health care professional regularly throughout your pregnancy. - Take your medication as prescribed.
Your health care professional will prescribe the safest medication at the most appropriate dose. - Get plenty of rest.
- Take a daily nap, if you can, and avoid strenuous physical activities.
- Monitor your weight gain.
Gaining the right amount of weight supports your baby’s growth and development. Gaining too much weight places additional stress on your heart. - Manage anxiety.
Ask questions about your progress. Find out what to expect during labor and delivery. Knowing what’s happening can help you feel more at ease. - Know what’s off-limits.
Avoid smoking, alcohol, caffeine, and illegal drugs.
For additional information, visit https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/consumer-health-pregnancy-and-the-heart/
