Pregnancy and cardiac valvular prostheses

Many women who have had cardiac valve replacements have reached or will soon be reaching childbearing age. Pregnancy exposes these women to potential problems resulting from the previous valvuloplasty. The three most common problems in this population--thromboembolism, infective endocarditis, and myocardial decompensation are discussed through a review of current literature. Preventive measures and treatment modalities are presented in order to assist nurses caring for these clients during their pregnancy.