How Do Heart Diseases Affect Pregnancy?

Both pregnancy and heart diseases are critical conditions and can cause major life risks to the patient and the baby. Pregnancy can cause stress to the various organ systems in the body and the cardiac system is no exception to it, says Dr Ranjit Jagtap. Though there are many women who have delivered perfectly healthy babies, it is important for the mother to take care of her heart as it can adversely affect two lives.

How does pregnancy impact the heart?

Pregnancy put strains on your heart and associated circulatory system. The blood volume of a pregnant woman increases by 30 to 50 per cent in order to nourish the growing baby. Even during the delivery, pushing the foetus out can cause abrupt changes in your heart rate and blood pressure. Sometimes, it takes several weeks for your heart rate and blood pressure to return to normal as suggested by Dr Ranjit Jagtap news. Though it depends on the severity and duration of the heart conditions, there are some major risks involved that one should be aware of.

1. Heart  Rythm 

A few abnormalities in the heart rhythm are common during pregnancy and are not a matter of great concern. A sudden rise in it may cause some issues and need immediate consultation and prescribed medications.

2. Valve issues 

Your risk of difficulties during pregnancy may rise if you have an artificial heart valve, scarring, or heart or valve abnormality. You can find it difficult to tolerate the increased blood flow that happens during pregnancy if your valves aren't functioning properly.

Additionally, having artificial or defective heart valves increases your risk of developing endocarditis, a potentially fatal infection of the heart's lining. Because blood thinner dosage must be adjusted during pregnancy and there is a chance of life-threatening heart valve thrombosis, mechanical artificial heart valves also carry significant hazards. Blood thinner use can also endanger your unborn child.

3. Congestive heart failure

As pregnancy puts extra strain on your heart and as the blood volume inside a pregnant woman’s body, this condition of congestive heart failure further worsens.

4. Congenital heart diseases 

Your baby is more likely to experience a heart defect if you did if you were born with one. Premature birth and cardiac problems during pregnancy may also be risks for you.

Medications and precautions

It is undeniably true that medications during pregnancy may harm your foetus, more often the benefits surpass the risks. Your doctor will recommend the safest drug at the right dosage if you need medication to regulate your cardiac disease. As soon as you detect the symptoms of something unusual, do visit Dr Ranjit Jagtap clinic, one of the most renowned centres for your cardiac issues. 

The precautions that one should consider and execute are as follows - 

1. Book prenatal appointments - Make sure to visit the healthcare centre and consult your doctor throughout your pregnancy to avoid severely critical conditions. 

2. Take the prescribed medications on time- Know that your healthcare expert will prescribe the safest medicines to you and ensure that you are taking them at right time.

3. Get ample hours of rest- Take good hours of nap daily and try to avoid stressful physical activities. However, you can perform certain mild and soft activities like yoga that can help. 

4. Manage your emotions including anger and anxiety- Try to manage extreme emotions like anger and anxiety by doing things that you like to do and ask your doctor about your health progress. 

5. Monitor your eating habits and weight- While you may have cravings to eat stuff, it is equally important to maintain a balanced diet and thus land on the right weight that may benefit your baby as well. Moreover, avoid unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, caffeine and other illegal drugs completely.