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October 2016 Moms
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Pre-existing heart condition

JennJenn81713JennJenn81713 member
in October 2016 Moms
My OB wanted me to check in with my cardiologist because I have something called pulmonary valve stenosis.  I've had it since I was a baby and have never had any restrictions because of it.  It's actually something that most people grow out of after adolescence, but I never did.  I'm literally my cardiologist's only patient with this particular condition.  When I went to the appointment a few weeks ago, they decided they wanted an echocardiogram because my last one was in 2014.  The echo was last week and they called today with the results.  Mind you, for 35 years I've been diligently going to these appointments and there has never been a change, so that is what I expected this time as well.  Well, the valve has narrowed further and they upgraded me from mild to moderate.  She said it may or may not have anything to do with the pregnancy but they want to see me again in 6 months.  She also warned that if I experience any swelling in my legs or sustained shortness of breath to call them immediately.  Umm...I'm pregnant!  Those are pregnancy symptoms!  (I'll be 23 weeks tomorrow)  Add onto that anxiety disorder which is currently not being treated with medications, and I'm just a little concerned.  Does anybody else have any experience with any pre-existing conditions that might have exacerbated with pregnancy?  I'm really hoping this is the cause!  :(
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Re: Pre-existing heart condition

  • UponAStar16UponAStar16 member
    Yes definitely, it seems like a lot of conditions get worse during pregnancy and have unique issues related to pregnancy. Depending on the condition, they usually can say if they expect the disease effects that worsen in pregnancy to be temporary or permanent...or if it sometimes depends on the person. Are you seeing MFM and/or could you find a cardiologist who is more familiar with cardiac conditions during pregnancy?
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  • shelleybelley81shelleybelley81 member
    The reason she mentioned those specific concerns  (legs swelling, shortness of breath) is because there is a very rare but serious side effect of pregnancy called ppcm. It is basically heart failure caused or brought on by pregnancy . It can happen anytime in the last couple of months of pregnancy all the way to 6 months after delivery. I know because it happened to me. I'm sure she is just doing her due diligence and may be concerned because you already have a preexisting heart condition.  The symptoms of ppcm are hard to identify as they are normal pregnancy symptoms. (Swelling of the feet and legs, sudden weight gain, shortness of breath (especially when laying down), a cough, etc). Most of the time it is not diagnosed until after the baby is born and the mother is still exhibiting these symptoms. But since you are already seeing a cardiologist and have been made aware of what to look for, you are ahead of the game. Again it is super rare and unlikely, but better safe than sorry. 
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  • JennJenn81713JennJenn81713 member
    Thank you, ladies, for your input.  I guess I just need to keep an eye on things.  I feel pretty confident about both my cardio and my OB, so hopefully as long as I do my own part everything should be fine.
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