Cardiovascular diseases can cause complications during pregnancy. You may not know, but pregnancy puts stress on many of your organs, including your heart. Your heart works harder to supply enough blood to you and the baby.
However, those with an existing congenital heart disease or a cardiovascular issue that develops during pregnancy may require extra monitoring at a pregnancy hospital in Navi Mumbai.
Do Heart Conditions Cause Complications During Pregnancy?
Many go on to deliver a healthy baby and recover well after pregnancy despite a known heart disease. The chances of pregnancy complications depend on the specific heart condition, how it’s managed, whether it exists with other health problems, and how your heart is overall functioning.
Research by the American Heart Association Journals suggests that cardiac output in women during pregnancy increases by approximately 45% in the second trimester, and heart rate increases by 10 to 20 beats per minute. These changes occur to cater to the growing requirements of the placenta and fetus.
Interestingly, many women never notice the change because their hearts adapt smoothly to the increased demand. Complications can occur when you have existing heart problems, such as leaky valves, abnormal rhythm, and problems with heart muscles.
Common Heart Conditions that may Affect Pregnancy
It’s important that women with known heart conditions consult a gynecologist in Navi Mumbai before planning pregnancy. They may assess your heart health and adjust medications if needed. Here are the heart conditions that can affect pregnancy:
Congenital Heart Diseases
Babies can inherit a congenital heart defect from the mother, although the exact risk depends on the type of defect.
Since pregnancy puts extra workload on your heart, it may increase the risk of complications, such as heart failure, especially when your heart already struggles to pump blood efficiently.
Heart Valve Issues
Weakened or narrowed heart valves can make it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of your body, especially when the blood volume and heart rate increase significantly.
Not every heart valve issue is dangerous during pregnancy, but certain conditions, such as Aortic Stenosis (AS), can cause complications, as a significant volume of blood may have to pass through a dangerously narrowed valve.
Arrhythmias
Arrhythmia refers to abnormal heart rhythms, which can be too low or too rapid. Heart palpitations aren’t always dangerous during pregnancy, particularly if they occur occasionally.
However, if you notice irregular heart rhythms alongside other symptoms, such as dizziness, faintness, or shortness of breath, it’s worth getting a medical evaluation.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy refers to weakened heart muscle, which affects its ability to pump blood effectively. Pregnancy can increase the risk further, as blood volume spikes significantly, putting excessive stress on the already diseased heart muscles.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare but serious heart issue that might cause weakness in your heart muscles in the last month of pregnancy or within 5 months after delivery. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet.
