AV replacement 3 years ago - now I'm pregnant!!!! :)

[cuoricino]

Hello all,

It has been quite a while since I've posted!! Quick background: had AV replacement with carpentier edwards valve (bovine) and bentall procedure for dilated ascending aorta. Was 26 when I got surgery and the whole idea behind the bio valve was to have kids one day.

Fast forward to now and I've since gotten married (after staying by my side through the whole OHS, how could I not marry the wonderful man?) and we are expecting our first baby!!! I was in Italy for my OHS where I lived with my then boyfriend, now husband, and we just moved back stateside about a year ago.

I guess I'm just looking for words of wisdom from anyone who has had successful pregnancy/birth post-op! I'm terrified of either hurting this baby or myself and I guess worry most about the stress my heart will go under since bloodflow increases something like 50% during pregnancy. My cardio gave me the green light when I told her we were trying to conceive... but should I sched and appt with her now that it's happened? I just saw her in June and she said another appt wouldn't be necessary for a year from then. My first real prenatal appt isn't for another month- just bloodwork to do and paperwork to fill out before then.

Excited but nervous and would love to hear from someone who's been through it!

Thanks :thumbup:

 

[Allisoninoz]

Congratulations! How exciting! How many weeks are you? I think you should call your cardio and tell her the good news. I'm sure she would want to be involved in your care and keep and eye on you, along with your obstetrician. She may even want to refer you to an obstetrician who is expert in mums-to-be who have had cardiac issues. I had my daughter, now 10, when I was 33. I had my heart surgery 18 months ago when I was 42. My cardiologist referred me to a specialist in complicated pregnancies when I told him I was trying to conceive. That obstetrician was great - he dealt with women with all sorts of issues including multiple births etc. It was reassuring to have that extra safety net. I was always going to have a c-section so there wouldn't be too much stress on my heart (which of course wasn't fixed then). I have no idea whether that it something they would do in your case.
You have LOTS to look forward to

 

[Duffey]

Congratulations!
I would certainly contact your cardio, but I would venture a guess that your OB will probably want to do a consult with her too.

 

[Rachel]

I have no advice for you as I've never been pregnant, I just wanted to congratulate you!!!!

How exciting!!!!

Rachel

 

[Jkm7]

Congratulations and all best wishes.
I don't think you should be unduly worried about the fact you have a bovine valve. The reason for the valve replacement was to give you the chance to live a full life and your cardio has indicated you are well and able to carry a baby.

I would certainly advise the cardio you are now pregnant and follow all medical advise given you.
Believe your cardio..... He told you to go have your babies. If it was too risky, surely you would have been told that.

Hope you have a great pregnancy, enjoy this time with your wonderful sounding dear husband and have a healthy, beautiful baby.

Please let us travel along this path with you.
Hope you'll drop by from time to time.