ISSN 1016-5169 | E-ISSN 1308-4488
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Congenital heart disease and pregnancy [Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars]
Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars. 2006; 34(4): 255-264

Congenital heart disease and pregnancy

Hüsniye Yüksel
Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Departmant of Cardiology

Thanks to continuing progress in pediatric cardiac surgery and medical care, most women with congenital heart disease (CHD) reach childbearing age and consider pregnancy. Significant hemodynamic changes occur during normal pregnancy. Cardiac output increases by 50% while peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure decrease. In the presence of maternal CHD, these hemodynamic changes can cause deterioration in cardiac functions, exacerbation of cardiac symptoms, and may result in maternal death and fetal loss. In spite of these complications, pregnancy is well tolerated in minimally symptomatic women with good ventricular function and normal oxygen saturation except in those with Eisenmenger syndrome, left heart obstruction, and Marfan syndrome. A planned pregnancy is preferable in women with CHD. Before pregnancy, maternal and fetal risks should be assessed, advisability of pregnancy must be determined, and if possible, cardiac abnormalities must be corrected or palliated. A careful and close follow-up is necessary during pregnancy. Women with high or intermediate risks should be referred for specialty care.

Keywords: Heart defects, congenital/complications, pregnancy complications, cardiovascular; pregnancy, high-risk.

How to cite this article
Hüsniye Yüksel. Congenital heart disease and pregnancy. Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars. 2006; 34(4): 255-264

Corresponding Author: Hüsniye Yüksel, Türkiye
Manuscript Language: Turkish


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