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3rd Trimester
PFO
Hey ladies, I'm 33w3d and just got back from my appointment with the cardiologist for all of my palpitations where I found out that I have a PFO (patent foramen ovale). It is basically a hole between two chambers of your heart and it is VERY common- up to 25% of the population has a PFO and doesn't even know about it. This is also my third pregnancy and I've never ever had a problem before. I've even done inline marathons, still frequently walk 2-4 miles, do Pilates etc. so I know I'm not exactly at death's door 
I go in to my OB on Thursday and will get more answers to my questions then but in the mean time I was just curious if anyone has any positive stories about being pregnant or going through L&D with a PFO or similar cardiac abnormality?
I go in to my OB on Thursday and will get more answers to my questions then but in the mean time I was just curious if anyone has any positive stories about being pregnant or going through L&D with a PFO or similar cardiac abnormality? 
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Re: PFO
Ive got one. There were only a few minor differences- They were really aggressive in getting a good picture of the baby's heart when they couldnt (took 3 ultrasounds, 3 techs and 2 doctors to see it- no lie!) They told me that they would be thorough anyways, but since I had something, it just added to sense that they needed to see it.
I was supposed to see a cardiologist, but all he did was take my blood pressure, listen to my heart and lecture me on the 5 pounds Id gain here and there (and I was paying him alot of money to do this). My OB was completely supportive when I cancelled my appointments.
I took aspirin and had heparin shots, but that was b/c of a clotting problem
Delivery was fine on my heart. My OB said he wouldnt want me to get too crazy with my pushing and he would limit my time I could push if he needed to. I pushed unrestricted for an hour and had a perfectly healthy baby!
Good luck to you!
I had something similar called an ASD (atrial septal defect). It's more or less the same thing, just in a different location. I had it closed 4 years ago, but the baby and I were thoroughly screened at around 22-24 weeks to make sure any issues hadn't popped up.
I've had palpitations a bit during my pregnancy, but nothing either my cardiologist or OB are concerned about.
Considering your sucessful prior history, I'm sure it's going to go very smoothly! My guess is that they will pay a little closer attention going forward, but like you said, it's a fairly common condition.
GL!
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They were really noticeable, especially at first. I either stopped noticing or they got better.
I havent had any problems since delivery
I'm lurking here (only 20 weeks), but I noticed your post. I had a very large PFO closed via a cardiac cath almost six years ago. I agree with what a PP said about discussing how long/hard you should be pushing if you deliver vaginally. That would be my primary concern with L&D. Your stroke risk is higher, which is something your doctors are probably going to monitor very closely.
Before I had my PFO closed, I was very active but started exhibiting TIA (mini-stroke) symptoms while exercising. If you reach the point, health-wise, where you need to have it closed, it's a breeze and I was back at work within a few days.