Pregnancy after MV repair

[labguides]

I think there was a thread about pregnancy after mitral valve repair, but cannot find it.

Anyone have experience with pregnancy after mitral valve repair?
Were you followed by cardio and perinatologist?

 

[twinmaker]

I had a mitral valve repair (a commissurotomy) performed before my last two pregnancies. My first pregnancy before the repair ended with the premature birth (at 6 months of pregnancy) and subsequent deaths of my first set of twin boys. Eleven months after their deaths, I had my mitral valve repaired. Nine months later I became pregnant with our daughter and had a normal pregnancy and birth. Two and a half years later, I gave birth to our second set of twin boys. The pregnancy produced a few complications such as atrial fib, shortness of breath, and quite a bit of swelling, but it was certainly managable. I was restricted during the latter half of that pregnancy to not doing any housework (I could live with that )! I'm sure some of these problems were related to the fact that I was carrying twins and not just my heart problems. The twins were healthy and were only two weeks early (5lbs12ozs and 6lbs6ozs). Three years after their birth, I had my mitral valve replaced with a St. Jude mechanical. That was 24 and a half years ago. I was very blessed to have been able to have children. That was possible because the first surgery was a repair instead of a replacement. If there are any other questions I can answer as far as my situation is concerned, let me know. LINDA

 

[LUVMyBirman]

We delivered a healthy baby. Mom had 3+4 reguirg. (Was not aware of this fact at the time) There were obvious pressure complications that I suffered. Baby delivered at almost 9lbs. And yes.....we are very blessed to have her With the proper high risk care....I think one can manage a pregnancy.

Pregnancy with a mechanical is another story. I am sure it can be done...but we have opted not to take the risk. Studies that are out there do not have me convinced it is safe.

 

[Christian]

I think there was a thread about pregnancy after mitral valve repair, but cannot find it.

Anyone have experience with pregnancy after mitral valve repair?
Were you followed by cardio and perinatologist?

We got the green light from the Cleveland Clinic yesterday to "go for it" -- about 4.5 months after my wife's mitral valve repair. We're told it's far less risky than what we already went through (pregnancy with 3-4+ regurgitation). Yes, my wife will be followed closely by a cardiologist but it's doubtful that we'll have a "high risk" OBGYN team this time around.

We're not ready to "go for it," but it's nice to have the option. Our seventeen month old son is too much of a handful!

 

[hensylee]

Christian, since we walked along w/you and your lovely bride, how bout showing him to us at 17 mos old?

 

[Christian]

Christian, since we walked along w/you and your lovely bride, how bout showing him to us at 17 mos old?

Taken at the American Heart Association's "Wear Red for Women" Day -- two days before Super Bowl XL. A professional took the shot for the AHA's brochure and was gracious enough to send us the images.

Lets see if this works....

 

[Karlynn]

What a cutie!!!!!

 

[hensylee]

such a little darlin. I bet he keeps y'all hoppin. Thanks for sharing. It's really hard to believe he can be 17 months old. He'll be grown before you can blink.