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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

LVH in pregnancy - anyone else experienced this?

10 replies

NigellaLawless · 11/08/2011 11:57

Hi, bit of a long post, but please bear with me!

I was just wondering if anyone else out there has had experience of being diagnosed with LVH (left ventricular hypertrophy, or enlarged left ventricle in the heart) in pregnancy?

I have been to and fro to antenatal clinic for the last month as my BP had been rising, it is currently about 20 points above booking in BP but still in the 80s so not considered too high. They have also been concerned about low platelet counts in my blood tests. but the consultanat I saw today wasn't too concenrned about that, however, it came out that about a month ago I had an ECG because I was fainting and feeling faint a lot. For some reason the results of the ECG only came through this week and they show LVH.

I am booked for a heart echo next week then back to see the consultant the following week so that he can discuss what it all means with me. I'm guessing they can't be too worried if they are willing to leave it 2 weeks before discussing it all with me and I am trying hard not to let my imagination run away with me and get myself all panicked.

But if there is anyone out there who has had experience of this could you let me know how things went for you. I guess my biggest question I have right now is does this rule out a normal birth; does it mean I will have to have a ELCS?

My original home hypo-water-homebirth plans are well out of the window Confused

thanks in advance xxx

OP posts:
Original poster
NigellaLawless · 11/08/2011 20:37

BUMP

OP posts:
Original poster
NigellaLawless · 12/08/2011 08:47

BUMP

OP posts:
wheelshavefallenoffthebus · 12/08/2011 21:27

Sorry I have not had any experience of this. I have high bp normally but due to kidney problems. Was this something that happened as a result of pregnancy or something you had beforehand that is now being picked up because you're pregnant?
Hope there is someone on MN who can advise you! otherwise I guess you'll have to wait til you see the consultant. I agree it can't be too awful it they'd see you sooner. Good luck with everything!

Original poster
NigellaLawless · 12/08/2011 23:38

hi wheels, thanks for your response, I had kind of given up hope of a reply to be honest Confused

They have only picked up on it becasue of the ECG I had after I was fainting last month but that said it could be that its a long standing condition that has never been noticed before. The echo should show whether it is congenital or related to the high blood pressure/pregnancy.

Now that some time has passed i have been able to chill out about it a bit more. But it was so scarey to be told that there could be something wrong with my heart, it sends your imagination racing down some awful tracks!

I hope your high bp and kidney probelms don't cause you too many issues.

Thanks again xxx

OP posts:
wheelshavefallenoffthebus · 13/08/2011 10:50

No problem. Sorry I don't know any thing that can help! I had to see a cardiologist years ago when they were trying to find out why I had high bp and it was worrying to think of possibly having a heart problem and then worrying about it makes your heart rate increase and makes you worry more etc! It's a shame they couldn't tell you more when you had your earlier appointment. It's horrible having to wait.
I'm lucky in that I just have to take bp tablets to lower it a bit and have regular hospital checks. Also any pregnancies have to be "planned" in advance as I have to change tablets beforehand.
Is there another place you could post this question on here? Am fairly new but is there a general health section? Hopefully there is someone who has experience of this on here somewhere!
Take care xx

Original poster
NigellaLawless · 13/08/2011 11:09

Thanks wheels, I posted in childbirth as well and have had a response from a mum with a heart condition, not the same as mine, but it was still helpful to hear from her.

Will let you know what the docs have to say

Thanks again xxx

OP posts:
wheelshavefallenoffthebus · 13/08/2011 11:23

Hope it goes well. I had a quick check on google but not much came up at all. Hopefully it is something you will be monitored with but that won't affect things too much. Have they put you on any medications yet?
In my case because of my bp and the extra work that the kidneys have to do in pregnancy I am not left to go overdue so I was induced with ds1 at 39 weeks and will probably gave the same with this baby due early Oct.
Hope all goes well at your next appointment, keep us posted!xx

stripeymummy · 13/08/2011 16:35

Hiya,

I have RVH due to transposition of the great arteries. So far I have been very well (27+3 today), but I am worried about how I'll do as I get further into the 3rd trimester.

I was advised by my cardiologist to finish work at 20wks, and rest as much as I need to . If you're still at work and over 20wks I would probably recommend you do the same, it's probably the reason still feel so normal.

I am seeing my specialist next week to discuss my 'birth plan', though I know it will be very controlled, and I am expecting to have an epidural for the 2nd stage. I still want to have the freedom to move around and d some yoga to help me through the 1st stage, and I really hope I don't have to fight for it. I can let you know what the conclusions were?

I think that if they were very concerned they would be being a lot more proactive - this is first time I'll be seeing the specialists in 2 months as they were happy with what they saw last time.

I notice you said you have made contact with someone else with a heart problem? Can you point me to the thread please, as I've been looking for peeps in a similar position to me? I'll probably go on the hunt now :)

Best of luck xx

Original poster
NigellaLawless · 14/08/2011 09:59

Hi stripey, glad you found the other thread Smile

thanks for sharing your experiences, I don't know anyone in a similar position so hearing from people like yourself has been invaluable.

I workd up to 35 weeks and had intended to go until 38 and only finished when work wouldn't let me carry over my holidays. that said I feel a thousand times better for finishing. i have found the whole pregnancy quite difficult and exhausting and I can't help but wonder if this has been because I may have had LVH all along, but I guess the echo will tell more about that.

i will keep you posted and would also love to hear how you are getting on x

OP posts:
Rebeccamt · 24/01/2014 15:47

Hi,
Not sure if ill get a reply as this was so long ago.
But I have just been diagnosed with the same? I'm 33weeks and 6days was wondering if you had any info on what happened?
Becca

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