Family Planning and Pregnancy Management in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2018 Sep-Oct;61(3-4):336-346. doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2018.08.001. Epub 2018 Aug 10.

Abstract

With advances in congenital heart disease management, there are an increasing number of women reaching reproductive age. Pregnancy results in a surge of hormones and increased demands on both the cardiovascular (CV) and respiratory systems. Depending on the heart defect and the treatments the mother has undergone, these hemodynamic changes can result in an increased risk of maternal CV events and an increased risk of fetal morbidity and mortality. Thus, it is important to have a comprehensive approach to adult congenital heart disease patients involving pre-pregnancy planning in addition to diligent peri- and post-partum care.

Keywords: ACHD; Contraception; Infertility; Pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiovascular System / physiopathology
  • Family Planning Services / methods*
  • Female
  • Heart Defects, Congenital* / physiopathology
  • Heart Defects, Congenital* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Perinatal Care / organization & administration*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular* / physiopathology
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular* / therapy
  • Respiratory System / physiopathology
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors