16 weeks pregnant and heart murmur

[GemSmith738]

So GP today informed me I have a heart murmur, they have referred me for an echo scan but I'm so scared now, has anyone else had this whilst pregnant?!

Hey. Just wanted to say I don't have a heart murmur but my sister does. She had a happy healthy pregnancy and it's never effected her in any way. 💕

I think around 90% of women have a benign murmur in pregnancy. It’s usually referred to as a flow murmur and is due to normal changes in your body that happen in pregnancy, such as your blood volume increasing by about 40%, so more blood is being pumped faster through your heart and generates noise which is picked up as a murmur. It’s almost certainly not a cause for concern. Having said that, pregnancy can unmask previously hidden medical issues and it seems sensible for you to have an echo to check (it’s an ultrasound with jelly just like your antenatal scans and doesn’t hurt: you will need to take your top off for it so they can get a good view).

(I’m medically trained although not currently practising, so can’t advise you personally, but happy to share knowledge if it’s helpful).

I have quite a loud murmur which means I have a small hole in the heart. I had echocardiogram during pregnancy and just after my first pregnancy and no checks in 2 further pregnancies. It showed a 4mm VSD.

At my first birth I had a paediatrician and a heart specialist informed and on stand by if needed. They weren't.

I've never had any problems associated with the hole in the heart but tend to need antibiotic cover for medical and dental procedures but I think this is the same as most people.

I was consultant led for my first pregnancy but not the others.

It's never been a problem throughout my life and I've been told I should have a normal life expectancy.

Yes this happened to me! I had an echo and they said it was a really common murmur that was nothing to worry about. Haven't thought about it since and it didn't affect the rest of my pregnancy.

I've had a murmur since birth, first pregnancy was fine and this pregnancy is also fine, currently at 38 weeks. My daughter was born with a murmur too but she's been cleared of it now.

I have a heart murmur and have done since birth. No idea what causes it.

I had to be scanned monthly through my pregnancy to check my heart strength. They came to the conclusion my heart works at 66% but it's fine for me. I was allowed a home birth (didn't happen in the end) and checked again 8 weeks after birth.

Yes I have an innocent murmur, it scares any new go listening to my chest. I’ve had it all my life had numerous echos and all fine. My DS has one also which is totally fine.

Oh wow thank you all so much for replying, I'm glad to hear that it's not too unusual! Will just wait to see what they say at my echo. You've calmed me down guys 💕