Cardiac disease in pregnancy

[Alicehasamincepieintheoven]

I have just been to the Dr's who has referred me to a cardiology department at the hospital. She says it is just to rule anything out but i am scared.

My lips keep going blue/purple (not related to the cold) and it has only been happening for the last 4 weeks or so. I am 8 weeks pg and the only other problem i am having is that i am so ridiculously tired.

I have a DD (2yrs) who is very good, sleeps well etc, so i don't feel i am doing more this time as last pg i was working silly hours waitressing and doing 3 horses every day.

I just wondered if anyone else had experience of this, and what to expect really. Thanks

bump

Hello Alice - no experience of cardiac problems in pregnancy but I do have of cardiac clinic.

They'll do an ECG and probably an ECHO which is an ultrasound of your heart like the ones you have of your baby. They'll do your 02 Sats too which measures the oxygen in your blood. None of these will harm the baby.

It could be that you have a small existing heart defect, a hole or a leaky valve that has been put under more pressure by your pregnancy. Your blood volume increases and that can add strain. More likely it's probably nothing at all but is worth checking out so they can keep an eye on you if needs be.

Try not to worry, not easy I'm sure.
Hope this helps.

Thank you very much

I am hoping that my blood results come back as anemic and that is the problem. Heart stuff just seems so scary!

my daughter was born with a heart defect and was quite poorly - I only mention that because of the checks she's had. We were at the doctors/hospital every few weeks

Whilst there are varying degrees of heart defect I would have thought if you had a problem it would have been picked up with your first pregnancy. If you have been fit and well its likely to be nothing. My daughter was really very unwell so the chances are you will be fine.

I appreciate that she was a paedeatric case although probably your midwife is just being cautious and looking out for you

all the best

Thank you Mummygogo I hope your DD is ok now.