Pregnancy in Women with Cardiovascular Diseases

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Genetics

Background:

• Pregnancy poses significant risks for patients with cardiovascular disease due to physiological changes.
• Cardiovascular conditions can lead to maternal clinical deterioration and mortality.
• Fetuses of mothers with cardiovascular disease face increased risks, including genetic disorders and growth restriction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the risks associated with pregnancy in women with cardiovascular disease.
• To emphasize the importance of pre-conception counseling for cardiovascular disease patients considering pregnancy.
• To advocate for specialized multidisciplinary management of pregnant patients with cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on cardiovascular disease in pregnancy.
• Analysis of maternal and fetal complication risks.
• Discussion of optimal management strategies.

Main Results:

• Pregnancy exacerbates hemodynamic challenges in cardiovascular disease patients.
• Increased risks for fetal growth restriction, genetic disorders, and premature delivery are noted.
• Antenatal and perinatal mortality rates are elevated.

Conclusions:

• Pre-conception counseling is essential for outlining potential maternal and fetal complications.
• Management requires a dedicated team of specialists (maternal-fetal medicine, cardiology, surgery, anesthesiology, neonatology).
• Care should ideally occur in a tertiary care setting for optimal outcomes.