Pregnant with Mitral Valve Replacement

[waltsmom]

Hello! I am new to the site and learned about it from my husband, Anthony. I wanted to inform you that I am currently 8 weeks 4 days pregnant and am taking 80 mg of Lovenox 2 times a day. I had complications with my son, who was born prematurely at 28 weeks due to preeclampsia. One week following his birth I had my 2nd mitral valve replacement, because a blood clot had formed on the valve during my pregnancy. I chose the St. Jude again, because the life of the valve is longer and there is a greater risk with each additional heart surgery. I've already had three.

I am happy to be having another baby, and although I know the risks are great, I believe I will make it through this pregnancy with a healthy, full-term baby. Because of the blood clot on the mitral valve in my previous pregnancy while on Lovenox, I have decided to begin coumadin in my 2nd trimester, about 5 weeks away. I want to create as healthy an environment for this baby as possible.

I am very fortunate that my heart itself is extremely healthy, so I don't have any problems with it. I plan to have consistent echocardiograms during this pregnancy to ensure the safety to myself and my baby.

I believe strongly in the power of life. I also believe that God creates miracles all the time to remind people that He is there. I am hoping to find a supportive community here, who will share in this experience with me.

Sincerely,
Willow

__________________________________________________ _

Mitral Valve Replacement - St. Jude Mechanical Valve (9/1999)
Mitral Valve Replacement - St. Jude Mechanical Valve (8/1993)
Mitral Valve Repair (1/1993)
Diagnosis: Rheumatic Heart Disease

 

[geebee]

It's really good to hear from you, Willow and welcome.
We will be very anxious to follow your pregnancy with you as the information to be gathered can be very helpful to many women out there deciding on valve choices. Of course, yours is a high risk pregnancy but I agree with you, it sounds like you will do fine, at least if attitude and belief is a factor.
I think you might be our first member who has actually gone through a pregnancy on coumadin.
Please keep us posted and let us know how we can help you.

 

[RCB]

Welcome to our forum

Welcome to our forum

3 surgeries in 6 years is tough! What happened to the original repair and why didn't you choose a tissue valve for your second surgery, being that you planned on having more children. Good Luck!

 

[marky]

Willow..
I followed you husbands first post.. and am so glad that you have found us for yourself!! I look forward to following your pregnancy..and certainly wish you the best with everything.
I had 4 pregnancies..but Mine were ALL before valve surgery.. so I only took beta blockers..
I agree.. God gives life.. so I will be praying for that tiny life you are carrying!
Please keep us posted along the way..and again Welcome

 

[waltsmom]

Thank you so much for the positive energy! In my case the repair on the mitral valve didn't last, there was too much calcium on the valve and it was still leaking. My surgeon described it as the stitches in clothing, that over time the wear and tear weakens the seam. I had discussed a pregnancy with my Cardiologist before I got married. With my heart in good health she was optimistic of me having a successful pregnancy.

As for my choice of valves. Everything at the time happened so quickly, it was a whirlwind of a choice. I dealt with the premature birth of my son, and discovering a clot on the valve. One week after my son was born, because of complications I was having, the surgeon decided to replace the valve that day and asked me to choose a valve. I was familiar with the St. Jude valve as it was my first valve, and knew the life expectancy of the valve was longer. I asked about the tissue valve at the time. I learned there was a chance I might still need to take coumadin with a tissue valve, as well as the possibility my body might reject the valve. I decided to stick with the familiar. I don't regret my choice.

Lovenox was a newer medication when I went through my first pregnancy. My high risk OB was shocked when a clot formed on the valve. I think the first complications of clots on the valve were reported around 1998. My son was born in September of 1999. I am extremely fortunate to have my son and want all of you to know that he was worth my difficult pregnancy.

Take care,
Willow

 

[Karlynn]

Welcome Willow! I'm so glad you joined us. As I mentioned in Anthony's thread on your pregnancy, from what I understand, you seem to be following the current protocol as far as when to do Lovenox and when to resume Coumadin during pregnancy.

I pray that your pregnancy goes smoothly. Best wishes.

 

[Andrew'sMom]

Hi,
I wish you the very best with your pregnancy... please do continue to post and keep us all updated. Take it easy ... we'll be praying for you & the little one the whole way!