Any Mums with heart conditions?

[Frances79FirstTime]

Hi

Just looking for fellow Mumsnetters with some experience of going through a pregnancy if they have heart problems.

I am 9+2 and have congenital heart problems (diagnosed at 4). I had an aortic coarctation repaired aged 4 and also have an AVSD and other leaky valves etc. (basically a big mess of a heart!) I receive annual check-ups with a cardiologist, am generally very fit and healthy (last exercise test I did at hospital measured me at 130% fitness of average normal person my age). When I saw my cardiologist in January I discussed starting a family with her and she told me that I should tolerate pregnancy well and that I would receive extra monitoring with them in conjunction with my local hospital (I am also adopted, which throws an extra spanner in the works as I have no idea if this could be genetic, cardiologist reckons 5-10% chance).

Soooo.... my question to anyone with a similar condition is what sort of additional appointments and scans am I likely to receive? Will they be on both my heart and the baby's or focussing on one of the other? My cardiologist's secretary called me today and asked me to go to an appointment in 5 days time (nothing like short notice!), which I can't do as I am away with work, so have made one for the following week but has to be at a hospital further away. The cardiologist didn't say what the tests would be and at my booking in appt my midwife seemed a bit clueless when I told her about my heart conditions and couldn't shed any light on what extra appointments I might need (once I had explained to her what all the cardiac terms meant!)

I just want a bit of reassurance if anyone has any - this is my first pregnancy and the thought of having a load of extra anxiety over my own heart is quite stressful. I really have no idea what to expect!

Thanks for reading
Frances x

Firstly congratulations!

I had what I consider to be a minor heart problem (a hole in the heart - patent ductus arteriosis) that was discovered and corrected as an adult. I was discharged from any cardiology care 10 years ago. I have had some tests since as I get occasional palpitations which I have been told are nothing to worry about.

In my first pregnancy I was consultant led. I had a fetal cardiac scan on the baby at about 20 weeks. Apart from being asked how I was at my appointments, that was it.

I am now 24 weeks pregnant with DC2. In the first trimester I noticed more palpitations than usual. I think it was down to feeling so ill and being dehydrated. I have had an echo and 24 ecg. The consultant didn't seem concerned but thought it best to check as it's been a while since my heart was looked at. I haven't had the results yet but am hoping no follow up will be needed. I have also had a fetal cardiac scan again.

I feel like the hospital are being very thorough which I am finding reassuring.

I hope everything goes well for you.

Thanks Jenni. I'm having to go in in 2 weeks time, at which point I will be 11 weeks, so I presume any echo etc I have will be on me and my heart rather than the baby's. My blood pressure was normal at my booking in and I know I will have a fetal cardiac scan as I was told that in January.

My mw also told me I would be consultant led (although gave no explanation about what that meant and I am a bit clueless!) I do find any extra tests a reassurance too - I just hope it doesn't mean a LOT of extra appointments at awkward times as I have already had what seems like quite a bit of time off (and while I know I am legally allowed antenatal appts I haven't told work yet as want to wait until at least 12 weeks).

Thanks for your reply - it does help and good luck with your pregnancy too!

Consultant led first time around for me just meant that I saw the consultant or one of her team rather than a midwife at some of the appointments which were at the same time as they would have been otherwise.

This time around, aside from the appointment for the echo, I have had 2 extra appointments, one was the initial meeting with the consultant to go over my history and one for the follow up to the echo etc. I am at a different hospital this time so could also be because they didn't have my records from before. You usually have fewer appointments with a second pregnancy so I think I am just having the same as first time round. It doesn't feel like I am having lots, in fact I haven't seen a midwife or consultant for 8 weeks.

I think being consultant led also usually means that you don't have the choice of using a birth centre / midwide led unit, but have to go to main delivery ward.

I know my heart condition is very different to yours but hopefully it will all go smoothly. Good luckx