My Congenital Heart Defect – How it Impacts Pregnancy

For my other mamas (and mamas-to-be) who have a congenital heart defect (CHD), this one is for you. Congenital Heart Defect Awareness week is February 7-14, 2024. I hope my story inspires you as you navigate life and even pregnancy with a CHD.

For those who do not know me, there is really no way to ‘know’ I have a heart defect by looking at me. Unless I am wearing a shirt which shows my surgery scars there is no specific giveaway. Over 2 million people are diagnosed with a congenital heart defect in their lifetime. I am one of the lucky ones who caught it early on in life!

I was born with a congenital heart defect. My parents did not know I had a CHD before I was born. Technology has come a long way over the past 30+ years! To date, I have had two open heart surgeries, 1 ablation and 1 sternum wire removal to “correct” my CHD. My CHD consists of a heart murmur, holes in my heart, an ASD and a VSD.

As a mom of one earth side, and one along the way soon, I always wondered what pregnancy would be like as a woman with a CHD. I am here to share my story to encourage you and spread awareness of a CHD during congenital heart defect awareness week.

Pregnancy with a Congenital Heart Defect

As I write this blog post, I am within my third trimester of my second pregnancy. Both pregnancies have felt very similar in terms of symptoms and the progression of pregnancy.

My overall energy increased frequent after the first trimester and was able to start working out regularly within my second trimester. I am now at the point where running up the stairs is a little slower these days. Overall, so far so good!

I routinely see my OBGYN and cardiologist to check in on myself and little one. We monitor any additional leakiness within my heart valves and ensure we are both thriving. Below are a few questions I have been asked about CHD and pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Were there any qualifications you had to ‘meet’ before getting pregnant with a history of CHD?

There were not any additional tests or detailed conversations about pregnancy with my cardiologist prior to becoming pregnant. We did discuss if pregnancy was something I would be able to do (not knowing the impact of pregnancy and potential strain to my heart). By reading this blog, you know received the green light!

Discussions with the cardiologist included what pregnancy would look like (IE additional appointments) and pregnancy spacing. We knew before hand we would have additional appointments during pregnancy. While this did not impact the timeline of our pregnancies, we did consider the financial impact of having additional routine appointments for prenatal and postpartum care.

Do you have additional cardiologist appointments during pregnancy?

My cardiologist suggested a few additional appointments throughout pregnancy and postpartum. In total I see my cardiologist three additional times during pre and postnatal care. Each appointment had two portions: an echocardiogram and a meeting with the cardiologist. The first was in my first trimester, the second was in my third trimester and the third was 6-10 weeks postpartum.

During the appointments with my cardiologist, we would discuss topics like:

• How my echocardiograms differed from pre-pregnancy (if any)
• How I was feeling and maintaining physical activity
• Plans for labor and delivery
• Signs and symptoms to keep track of which were outside of the ‘normal’ (Excessive swelling, extreme fatigue / out of breath). Funny enough, some of these symptoms are common during pregnancy as the body regulates to higher levels of blood and fluid in the body.

What restrictions do you have during pregnancy with a CHD?

It is a blessing to say I do not have any restrictions during pregnancy. My cardiologist recommends keeping up with my fitness routine and also encourages relaxation. I do not have any restrictions – so to speak – during pregnancy.

What does your fitness routine look like during pregnancy with a congenital heart defect?

Though my physical activity during the first trimester was mostly walks, I did purchase the Mamastefit 40 week prenatal program. I complete three workouts a week (upper, lower and pelvic floor / cardio) to prepare my body (and mind) for birth. Additionally, I enjoy walking when the weather allows! I biked with my husband and daughter up to 27 weeks due to amazing weather in Michigan!

Did you have to go to MFM for a CHD?

During my first pregnancy, my OBGYN recommended we have a meeting with MFM (Maternal Fetal Medicine) because they could do a fetal echocardiogram. At these appointments we had extra ultrasounds of our little one and met with a MFM doctor.

The ultrasound techs were always very quiet and observant. The MFM doctors were on rotation – so we never saw the same doctor one more than twice.

Unfortunately these were not my favorite prenatal appointments because the doctors always had conflicting opinions than my OBGYN and cardiologist on pregnancy, labor and delivery. Because the doctors were always different, it was hard to build trust and receive feedback about my pregnancy / postpartum care.

Additionally, these conversations felt intimidating and swayed how I felt about my pregnancy overall and my confidence / intuition about birth. I understand MFM often deals with high stress situations which differ from mine. Thankfully, I had a wonderful birth with my first little one and did not need additional care through MFM in the future.

During my second pregnancy, I requested a fetal echocardiogram at an alternate location. Additionally, because of my first pregnancy and labor / delivery, MFM appointments were not recommended.

For the fetal echocardiogram, I went to a local pediatric cardiologist and felt supported about our little one and my pregnancy. Should we have more children in the future, lord willing, I will request a fetal echocardiogram through an alternate location from MFM again.

Do your children have a risk for CHD?

Our children were both provided a fetal echo cardiogram during the second or third trimester. Though my heart defect is not hereditary, there is a chance our children could have heart defects. We are blessed to have the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital nearby which provides great care to those with a CHD. At this time, I am not a #heartmom.

How do you stay motivated?

I continuously am reminded how blessed I am to be able to bring a little one into our world. My motivation to continue exercise, though hard during the first trimester, stems a lot from my health and wellness. I want to ensure I stay healthy for both myself and my family. Working out and meditating keeps me in a positive mind frame and helps me stay connected to little one.

If you know someone who is impacted by a CHD, please share this