Medical Management of Heart Disease and Pregnancy
The management of heart disease and pregnancy is determined on an
individual basis. Recommendations regarding physical activity,
continuing work in specific environments, and dietary recommendations
need to be individualized depending on the cardiac problem. Restriction
of physical activity puts a woman at risk for blood clots and,
therefore, must be recommended with careful consideration. The ability
to continue work during pregnancy depends on the nature of the work,
the physical demands and the setting in which it occurs.
Certain medical problems need to be treated quickly during pregnancy
because they can complicate the condition of a woman with underlying
heart disease and impact fetal development. Specifically, any condition
that increases heart rate, such as infection, overactive thyroid, or
anemia needs to be quickly identified and treated.
Because pregnancy changes how drugs are absorbed, distributed, and
eliminated throughout the body, there is a concern regarding the use of
drugs during pregnancy. There is the risk of the drug passing through
the placenta to the fetus. Every drug must be looked at carefully
during pregnancy and the benefit of using the drug weighed against the
potential risks to mother and fetus.
Clinical studies to assess drug use and fetal safety during
pregnancy are limited and are essentially based on accumulated clinical
experience. Drugs are rated by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA)
into categories A, B, C, D, and X. There may be potential risk for
drugs in categories A, B or C and should be used when the clinical
benefit outweighs the risk and at the lowest effective dose. Category D
drugs are associated with known risks and need to be used with caution.
Category X drugs are contraindicated in pregnancy and should not be
used.
Contact
Heart Disease and Pregnancy Program
(866) 662-8467 (toll free)
Program Guide
Heart Disease and Pregnancy Program
Preconception Evaluation
Congenital Heart Disease and Pregnancy
Cardiac Diseases and Pregnancy
Cardiac Signs and Symptoms During Pregnancy
Medical Management of Heart Disease and Pregnancy
Diagnostic Testing Durning Pregnancy
Labor and Delivery with Heart Disease
Review Date: 08/06
