TTC with heart problems, anyone else?

[Keyhawk]

DH and I are going to start TTC next month however all will not be straight forward when I do get pregnant as I have a congenital heart defect which will require close monitoring. I have had an MRI scan to check everything over prior to falling pregnant and all is ok at the moment, thank goodness.
Just wondered if anyone else has been or is going through pregnancy and has holes in the heart/ coarctation of the aorta? I am struggling to find much info on it!

Hi Keyhawk. I don't know about holes in the heart I'm afraid but I also have a congenital heart defect. Had an echo and holter monitor before starting to TTC and everything ok. Am a bit nervous that that might change when I am actually pregnant though. Like you I can't find much on it!

Hey night!
Nice to meet someone in a similar situation as me! (Although obvs we would prefer not to have the worry!)
My main concern will be my aorta rather than the hole I think and I am also worried about chances of my child having a CHD!
I am wondering if they are going to just automatically c section so I don't go over/ cause any extra unnecessary strain!!? I really have no idea, have tried calling consultant but they never get back to me!!!! It'll be nice to support each other :) x

Definitely keyhawk :) like you my consultant didn't give me any answers other than saying that my tests were ok for me to go ahead. I have no idea whether my condition is genetic or not! The internet says that it is for some people but not for others, no idea which camp I fall into :s

I am guessing that you will be under the care of the cardiology consultants when you get pregnant? If so probably a good idea to go into the first appt with a list of questions you need answering. Can your GP help at all. Mine had to look my condition up in a book so not expecting much help there!

I'm sure though that if there had been any major worries they wouldn't have let you go ahead :) an episode of one born every minute had a lady with a serious heart defect. She definitely started off in normal labour (but with loads of monitoring) but I think she ended up having a c section but I can't remember exactly.

Yeh when I fall pregnant I will have to contact them to go for an appointment. I doubt my gp will be able to help much, we moved house last year so I moved GPs but the new ones don't know me as well :(
Where abouts in the UK are you? I have my care at Southampton general! It is good there, just a shame it's quite a journey and I might have to deliver there too x

I'm in South Wales so my local is the Royal Gwent which is also where I work. Southampton is the specialist cardiology centre right? I remember it was discussed sending me there at one point but that never happened.

How far from Southampton do you live? At least if it is the specialist centre you will bein very safe hands :)

We are about 20 miles but the journey involves a boat lol.

Yeah it is specialist centre, I'm lucky really :)

I'm guessing the Isle of Wight then! :p when is your bfp due? I was supposed to be Valentine's Day (and might still be) but had my coil out last week and it seems to have delayed onset of AF (which it shouldn't do as it's non-hormonal). Could still arrive on time (due tomorrow) but I have none of my usual pre AF symptoms so not hopeful. Just want it to be over with so I can get on with TTC!

We are starting next month when we go on hols, BFP will be due around 6th march!! Hope AF Arrives for you so you can get started :)

And I really hope you get your holiday baby :)

Me! I have the added complication of infertility so having to do a lot of persuasion with the fertility clinic to let Ivf go ahead. I would speak to your cardio prior to TTC - I have had several joint meetings between me, cardiology, obstetrics and fertility clinic to agree a plan so everyone knows what is happening. It's a bit of a scary thought, the 'what ifs' but not enough to put me off.

One point my obstetrician made was to go to a hospital with a good record of treating premature babies, as you (I) may need to deliver early if the strain gets too much for my heart.

Have been TTC for 7 years so well versed in this!

Re c- sections, I was told they don't want me to have to push, so if not c section then they would use ventouse to help me deliver.

Sorry about your infertility problems, bouncing belle. I hope you get your IVF soon :)

They haven't discussed the risks with me! What did they say to you? Do you have coarctation or another heart defect? X

Drs have all been very supportive, they v much respect the fact it is my choice and that I understand the risks I am taking. I'm in heart failure with a cardiomyopathy and an icd.

Thanks - should find out this Tuesday!! :)

Good luck for tomorrow bouncing! My heart condition isn't as serious as either of yours, wishing you both the best of luck! Good to know we can support each other through :)

Thanks! I've said from the start that once my infertility nightmare is over, I want to set up a group for women with heart conditions considering/going through pregnsncy, as it's been SO hard to meet people in the same boat for support!

Never thought of posting here before

How did it go bouncing?

Unfortunately I got a really bad back and was unable to make the appt. the drs met without me and a meeting has been scheduled for next Friday to discuss the outcome - they wouldn't tell mebwhatbhad been decided over the phone. I'm now a nervous wreck and fearing the worst :(

Oh no sorry to hear about your back bouncing, hope it gets better soon! Don't panic, it might be good news :) appreciate it's easier said than done but if I would you I would try to distract myself for a week and just think about it as little as possible. Good luck!

Sorry you couldn't make your appointment. Hope the outcome is positive. Let us know how you get on xx