How does congenital heart disease affect pregnancy?

Question

Hi doctor,

My wife is now nearly ten weeks pregnant. She has congenital heart disease, so I need some clarity from you for getting a successful delivery. All reports, including echo and ultrasound scan reports, are attached here for your reference. Importantly, she has not had any symptoms till now, and she is like a normal person in her daily activities. Can we continue this pregnancy? Is it safe for both mother and baby? I request you to provide a detailed opinion on this. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As per your wife's reports (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity), she is having perimembranous VSD (ventricular septal defect) and severe pulmonary stenosis (PS). But she does not have any complaints. Patients with severe PS will mostly tolerate pregnancy, and 8 mm will not be a concern. As a cath study (cardiac catheterization) will be harmful to the baby (fetus), repeat the echocardiogram in one to two months and consult if she has complaints of breathlessness or any other. It will be safe, provided she does not go into cardiac failure, which is very rare.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.