pregnancy cause valve surgery?

[mharris]

I had mitral valve prolapse and had absolutely no problems. Then 5 days after our 4th baby was born I went into the ER with chf. The surgeon is looking into more about pregnancy and your heart because we have no other reasons of the mitral valve regurgitation being 4+. I was wondering if anyone or anyone you know has had this problem after being pregnant.
Michelle

 

[Peggy in Alaska]

I have a bad tricuspid valve, but would assume that pregnancy is hard on any bad valve. I was told I should avoid pregnancy [this was after I had had 3 babies not knowing I had a leaking valve]. Pregnancy is hard on your body even if you have healthy valves.

 

[Creed3]

My Story!

My Story!

Hi Michelle,
Check out my story in the personal stories section. It is listed as Gail.
Pregnancy can definately effect your heart.

Take Care!
Gail

 

[mharris]

Hi Gail,
I read your story and very lucky to be here. I can understand your frustrations with your doctors. My babies pediatrician sent me to my OB doc and she listened to my heart and lungs and said I was fine. Well by 6:00am the next morning I was in the ER with severe chf. Once they started lasix I had 3 liters of fluid come off of me in 20 min. they had never seen that much fluid drain so fast. I think what saved my life is that when I delivered our baby I had a intrathecal which is a shot in your spine ( spinal narcotic) and I was totally numb from mid belly down. So I felt like I was under no stress in delivering her and she was 8lbs 11oz. I hate shots but I am so glad that I had that one otherwise I might not be here today.

 

[KimC]

Hi, everyone.

Pregnancy is not a benign condition. I also experienced symptoms of CHF during pregnancy, and am undergoing tests to confirm that the condition was transient. (I had the baby on July 23). My valve leaks went from moderate to severe. I've been told not to have any more children. (I have 3 now, so this isn't a sacrifice!)

It's ironic that we have to deal with such a "downer" health risk while nurturing a new life that brings such great joy.

Kim

 

[Karlynn]

The only reason I knew I had Mitral Valve Prolapse before my pregnancy for my 2nd child, was because they told me I had it. My 3rd pregnancy (1st was a miscarriage) put me into the proverbial gutter. I went through a miscarriage and a full-term pregnancy with absolutely no problems and no symptoms what so ever. My 3rd pregnancy did the trick. I developed some arrhytmias during the pregnancy and was short of breath. I was told by my doctor, at the time, that I would return to normal after I delivered. Wrong. I got worse. I went through a series of bad doctors and other doctors who said they were mystified that I was having problems and didn't know what to do.

Thank God I found a wonderful cardiologist after 7 trials and errors, who cared deeply and committed himself to making me feel better. He was also VERY cautious. I was mentally ready for a valve replacement a year before he finally agreed with me. I was young and he wasn't wanting to have me live the rest of my life on Coumadin until he knew it was absolutely necessary. Unfortunately I think he was too cautious, because I was pretty physically debilitated with CHF when he finally said it was time. That was 12 years ago. And I thank God every day for my wonderful St. Jude valve.

I was told that 10% of the people world wide have Mitral Valve prolapse and was also told that relatively few end up ever having to have valve replacement, let alone at such a young age (I was 32).

So pregnancy can throw your body for a loop. But the question I've always had is why did it wait until my 3rd pregnancy to do that? But I have a 6 foot tall, gorgeous, loving daughter to show for my little mechanical valve and I would do it over again in a second.

My biggest soapbox stance - be an aggressive advocate for your health. The doctor I had dealing with my arrhythias during my pregnancy didn't take it seriously. He didn't take me seriously after I had my daughter when I told him I was feeling worse, not better. If what your doctor is telling you just doesn't seem to make you feel like he knows, or understands, what's going on. Find someone else.

Best wishes and prayers,
Karlynn

 

[delvoura66]

I had my mitral valve replacement 2 months after the birth of my
daughter in 2001. I was told years ago that I had a leaky valve.
That was a year after my first child was born. I never had any problems. Exercise was never a problem. I was always active.
During this last pregnancy is when it started. I worked until she
was born and had some shortness of breath if I walked too far or
climbed steps. My cardiologist says that pregnancy is hard on the
heart. I'm blessed inspite of the surgery to have 2 wonderful girls.

 

[KimC]

I couldn't agree more with you. I adore my babies and would give my life to them.

I also agree about being an agressive health advocate. My OB thought my symptoms were anxiety-related and took no precautions upon the onset of my labour. Two hours after my hospital admittance, the anastesiologist arrived and noticed that I was going into shock. He demanded a BP reading and became angry that no one had taken it yet. It was under 80/40. The room went into crisis mode and he gave me an injection of epinephrine which probably save two lives!

I don't know why my BP dropped but clearly my heart didn't like the stress. I didn't have an epidural during that time. (Epidurals can lower BP).

The bottom line is that my OB didn't take me seriously. I have a good cardio, though and plan to have a very long talk with him. I also plan to write a letter to the hospital.

I live in the South and have wondered if the medical care here is more discriminatory or further behind. I had my first two children in DC and was always put on a BP cuff ... even before my valve diagnosis.

God bless,

 

[Karlynn]

I truly think that women still deal with doctors not taking them seriously when they complain of problems. I certainly encountered a few who are very guilty of that. I also heard that even if the doctor is a woman, they don't have any less frequency in not taking women's complaints more seriously than their male counterparts. I also heard that, percentage-wise, women have more fatal heart attacks than men, for 2 reasons: their symptoms tend to be different than men and they aren't taken as seriously when they go in with complaints.

The up side, for those of us who have managed significant health problems for a while is that we tend to be taken seriously right from the start. I've noticed that doctors tend to listen to me a lot more closely and more intently, after they've taken a look at my file. But when I was first having problems, it was as if I needed to stand in the town square naked in order to get attention for my problems.

At least with this forum, you can go in well armed to any doctor who might not understand the significance of pregnancy and valve disorders.

I'm glad to "meet" you ladies. Until now, I didn't know anyone else who had the whole pregnancy/valve history. I knew there must be, but it's so nice to be able to share with you all now.

Blessings to all of you,
Karlynn

 

[mharris]

It has been so comforting to read everyone's posts. Atleast I know that I'm not the first thats went thru this. When I got my haircut the lady doing it asked if I had any bad feelings for my 4 month old baby since all this happened after having her. I couldn't believe someone would think that but then I thought you know some women that didn't plan their pregnancy might feel that but I would hope not. Through all the problems and surgeries it has made me love her even more. Almost dieing has a really profound affect on you and not many people can understand that. Recently my 3 older kids went to my parents for the night for my anniversary but I wasn't ready to let the baby go away from me for the night. Most people thought that was stupid since she is 4 months old but they don't realize the feelings I am having since she was born. I love all my kids so much and if it wasn't for them and my husband I don't think I would have gotten thru 2 oh surgeries 5 wks apart on top of haveing a new baby.

 

[Enudely]

Hi guys!!
I wonder if anyone here has advice for me?!
I'm 24 years old and have a loving boyfriend of 4 years. We really want to have kids, there's only one problem, I have an insufficient aortic valve due to an attack of bacterial endocarditus two years ago. My cardiologist now is a jerk and I can't talk to him about anything. Thank God, I finally have insurance and am going to be able to switch doctors and really talk about it. I'm not sure when I will need to have the valve replaced. I'm just wondering if I will be able to have kids if I wait until after the surgury? I guess I would have to get a biological valve and plan on another surgury in the future? I've heard that coumadin crosses the placenta, and I REALLY don't want to have to deal with coumadin just yet.
Well, I guess I really just wanted to put the word out there and hear anyone's thoughts. If it turned out I can't have kids, I would be completely heartbroken, so I'm a little nervous to talk to a doctor about it!!
Does anybody know? Can I have kids with an insufficient valve? I know you'll all say to talk to a cardiologist about it, but I don't quite have that ability just yet (it'll be one more month or so, Thank God!!)

 

[Karlynn]

Hi Elena

Hi Elena

Elena,
Unfortunately I don't think anyone that's posted on this thread will tell you what I think you want to hear and that's "Oh sure, you can have kids." But we won't tell you the opposite either. Be patient, see doctors (emphasis on the plural, you need more than one opinion to make an educated decision). It's going to depend on how insufficient your valve is. Unless you've been told you'll definately need to have surgery at some time, surgery isn't always done. It just depends on how bad the valve is. Many people have children with no problems at all with my valve disorder (Mitral Prolapse) and some are told not to risk it. Then there's people like those of us on the this thread, who didn't know our pregnancies would cause big problems. However, I don't think anyone has said yet that they knew that it might cause big problems and went ahead and got pregnant.

You have a great advantage of knowing there could be issues with carrying your own biological babies. Do some research on the Web and go see doctors armed with lots of questions. First and foremost - you need to plan to be healthy for any child you raise, whether it's totally "naturally" like you are speaking of, or through the many number of ways people can become parents in this country.

Best wishes to you. Keep us posted on what's going on.
Karlynn

 

[coco]

Hi Elena:

I just had my aortic valve replaced on July 30th. I had my first child in august 98 and my second in January 2001. At that time (supposedly) I just had a leaky aortic valve, some stenosis but mostly leaky(mild-severe). They told me that I should plan to have my children before eventual surgery. I was monitored very closely, saw a doctor specializing in high risk pregnancies, had stress tests for the fetus, and everything went well. But now, I'm wondering if these pregnancies contributed to my ascending aortic aneurysm which they only discovered during my surgery for my valve replacement last month? I'm very lucky to still be around. So you see, you really must see a specialist and evaluate your particular condition. Depends on amount of stenosis, leakyness, size of heart, blood pressure, other conditions, how long it takes for your pulse to get back to normal after activity, lots of different factors. I've known I had a heart condition since I was 5 so I always talked about adoptng my whole life. I always asked my boyfriends how they would feel about adopting and surprisingly (maybe) I never got a negative response. By chance and almost to my surprise, my doctors told me it was ok to get pregnant. Keep looking for a good cardiologist. It's so important. Like everyone says, get all the facts and evaluate the pros and cons with your doctor. Knowledge is power.

 

[Karlynn]

Hi Caroline

Hi Caroline

Hi Caroline,
Wow, you are fresh off of surgery. I hope you are doing well. Thank goodness they were able to catch your aneurysm. I imagine you were stunned when you heard what they had found.

Best wishes for your continued recovery.
Karlynn

 

[delvoura66]

Hi Elena,

My heart goes out to you and what you must be going through. Having children is such a blessing. There is nothing like being a
mother. You have to do what is best for you. Find a good doctor,
get as many opinions as possible. I was told before my surgery that having more children on coumadin was a risk. Lucky for me
I was finished having my babies. You are so young, if you do get
a biological valve you may have to have many more replacements.
I was 34 and the mechanical valve was the best option because
I had no plans for more children. My doctor stated that tissue valves in young people last maybe 10-15 years at the most. She also said that the more surgeries you have the more difficult it
becomes to form scar tissue. Again you have to do what is best for you. Go luck and I will keep you in my prayers.

 

[KimC]

Hi,

I had the same question re: my pregnancy and aortic insufficiency. If the leak is severe, you'll need to see your cardiologist as well as a high risk OB and neonatal specialist to monitor you and your developing baby. My leak was not severe, but progressed during the pregnancy and I became symptomatic.

I had to wear lovely maternity support hose and take baby aspirin after developing phlebitis, (blood clots are a higher risk for us). I kept my legs elevated for most of the pregnancy.

Regarding Labor, I cannot emphacize how important it is to trust your instincts. Be assertive with your attending nurses and physicians, telling them exactly how you're feeling. Everyone's different; tolerance varies. To my cardiologist's surprise, my heart did not tolerate the stress of Labor, despite my fitness level and low weight.

Here's some good advice I got from Web MD:

"Anyone diagnosed with valvular regurgitation (insufficiency, a leaking valve or valves, can remain stable or progress at different rates, case by case dependent, drugs can treat the symptoms but they don't cure the cause) should be under the care and close monitoring of a good (competent and compassionate) interventional cardiologist.

Valvular regurgitation levels go from trace or physiologic (minimal or trivial, often seen in otherwise heart-healthy individuals) to mild to moderate to severe. Echocardiography grading scale is 0-4+."

---------------

You'll need a strong support system if you become symptomatic. I spent most of the time in bed, save my walks which were an important component of my physical, spiritual and psychological well-being.

Check out these links for more info:

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=9601

http://www.heartcenteronline.com/myheartdr/common/articles.cfm?ARTID=187

http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/2001/08_01/prasad.html


God bless,

 

[KimC]

http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/2..._01/prasad.htm

Whoops, try the above link instead of the last URL I sent.

 

[KimC]

Hmmmm ... the link still isn't working when I click on it.

http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/2001/08_01/prasad.htm

If the link still doesn't work, you can go to eMedicine.com, then search on valvular disease and pregnancy, you'll find the site.

 

[Enudely]

Thanks for your responses.
Thank God, I finally have health insurance (here in California, you have to go through a lot of hoops to aquire insurance with a pre-existing condition) and will be able to find a new doctor. My cardiologist now is really insensitive. I have left that office crying many times from his callous remarks. I don't feel comfortable talking about anything with him. Next month, I will switch to another doctor and hopefully get to the bottom of it all.
From what I can gather from my cardiologist (who doesn't really tell me anything ) I think my leak is pretty bad.
I guess I should start exercising. I'm young and slim but not really in good aerobic shape. I think I need to really work on that, especially if I expect my body to go through a pregnancy!
Thanks again for all your support! I'll keep you posted when I talk to a Doc

 

[Karlynn]

Elena,
You're doing the right thing - ditch that doctor as soon as you can. You need to find a doctor who you feel comfortable with, confident in and who makes a good team mate for your health care. I've posted my opinion on other threads on how important it is to have a doctor that you can believe in and work with as a team. I used to be very intimidated by doctors and thought my opinion wasn't important because they were so much more educated. Now I'm an aggressive consumer when it comes to my health care. I won't stick with a car mechanic that makes me feel like I'm asking stupid questions, or won't return my phone calls or won't explain things to me and be honest. So I figure, why should I settle for less when it comes to something as important as my own health. You are in the driver's seat and the doctor is your co-pilot.

Good luck to you.
Karlynn