Does anyone have a congenital heart defect and still had a healthy pregnancy/birth?

[Strawberryfelineforever]

Just that really! I have congenital heart defects (pulmonary stenosis) and patent ductus arteriosus that went undetected until teenhood/adulthood. I have not had any corrective surgery so I still have these defects. I do get shortness of breath and chest pains/dizziness but generally have a normal healthy life. I have an appointment soon and wanted to ask some questions about potential pregnancy in the future. It's not something I want to consider for another 5 or 6 years but I just want to know if anyone has had a positive experience.

I had an ASD (atrial septum defect) from birth but wasn't diagnosed until my teenage years as well as AVNRT (AV-nodal reentrant tachycardia), went onto have several operations and cardiac implants and have been taking beta-blockers ever since including throughout my pregnancy with my son. Pregnancy went great, I was consultant led due to my cardiac history, they closely monitored me and my son and liaised with my cardiology specialists the whole time, after his birth he had an echocardigram to check he didn't have the same issues, his heart is completely healthy and I'm now pregnant with my 2nd and so far pregnancy is again going great.

I had PDA as a baby and had the surgery. I had a convo with a doctor about it when pregnant and they did say if I hadn’t had had the surgery I would of been monitored more closely. My understanding of it from what she was saying is if your PDA is small then pregnancy should tend to be normal with extra monitoring. If it’s larger they will monitor you more closely and there is a higher risk of complications. I wouldn’t worry too much, speak to your consultant x

Yes...X2! Had some tests and scans before and after each pregnancy to ensure all looked ok and there had not been any changes. Specialist consultant care and some limitations to labour and delivery but this was far more relaxed second time. Had to deliver in hospital not local to me as needed specialists on hand, but this was all precautionary. Babies had more in-depth heart scans during pregnancy. Good luck!

Than you everyone, that is really reassuring!