Hemodynamically Significant Congenital Cardiac Lesions in Pregnancy

The incidence of congenital cardiac disease among reproductive-aged women is increasing. Understanding the unique physiology of pregnancy and the postpartum period is critical to helping women achieve successful pregnancy outcomes. Risk assessment models estimate the cardiac, obstetric, and neonatal risks a woman may face and influence the conversations regarding pregnancy and contraception management. This review focuses on some of the most common congenital cardiac lesion encountered during pregnancy, as well as key aspects of antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care for these women. A multidisciplinary team, with Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Cardiology and Obstetric Anesthesiology specialists, is critical to the care of these patients.