Women with existing heart disorders usually can give birth safely and with no negative consequences for the baby. However, women with moderate to severe heart failure before pregnancy are at significant health risk. For some patients, pregnancy with heart issues is not advised. Sometimes, heart conditions develop or are revealed during pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know about heart issues in pregnancy.

Signs of heart issues during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s blood volume increases anywhere from 20% to 100%, with the average being 45%. The heart must work harder, which can cause high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiomyopathy or preeclampsia. This additional stress on the heart during pregnancy also can reveal conditions such as a congenital heart defect, heart valve disease or an arrhythmia by making symptoms more clear.

Symptoms of heart issues during pregnancy include:

• Chest pain
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Extreme fatigue
• Rapid heart rate
• Severe shortness of breath
• Swelling of the hands, feet, lower legs or ankles

It is extremely important to talk to your health care provider before you become pregnant or when you become pregnant if you have any preexisting heart conditions. If you do become pregnant, it is important to visit your health care provider regularly during the pregnancy. Your provider will take your blood pressure and check urine samples to be sure you are staying healthy.

The Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Women’s Heart Program offers the latest diagnostic and therapeutic advances to treat heart conditions before, during and after pregnancy. Our team is specially designed to provide the highest level of care for mom and baby. Board-certified specialists diagnose and treat heart conditions at any point in a woman’s life, including heart disorders during pregnancy.