Pregnancy and Congenital Heart Disease

Mayo Clinic cardiologist Heidi Connolly, M.D., discusses pregnancy in patients with congenital heart disease.

Congenital heart disease is the most common form of structural heart disease affecting women of childbearing age in the United States. Congenital heart disease does increase the risk to the mother and baby, so having a comprehensive care team is important. Prior to pregnancy, a full evaluation by an adult congenital heart disease specialist is essential. This will include reviewing medications, assessing risk, and determine a management plan for before and after delivery.

Pregnancy should be avoided in women with severe pulmonary hypertension, reduced heart function, severe “obstructive” lesions, severely dilated aorta, and those with cyanosis.

• Learn more about congenital heart disease.
• Heidi Connolly, M.D.