My wife is pregnant and she has a heart problem.

[brooksbill]

My wife has a hole in her heart. She was told by the doctor that she won’t live long but she did. She even joined some sports during her college years and went on a few Latin America singles club to date around. Eventually, she got married to me. The doctor has been telling my wife to avoid getting pregnant but a few days ago, we found out that she is indeed, pregnant. She took 3 pregnancy tests and all appeared positive. We are extremely happy but a big part of us is worried. I’m worried for my wife and I’m worried for our baby. I don’t want my wife to suffer when she delivers the baby and most of all, I don’t want my baby to inherit the heart disease. I feel so lost and confused. My wife and I have yet to talk about this whole thing but I’m pretty sure we are keeping the baby. It would help us a lot if anyone went through this already. Please share your experience, advice, etc. Thanks ahead.

 

[BabyWomble]

I think with your situation being so individual you’ll be better speaking with your wife’s GP as they would be better placed to answer your questions. I wish you the best of luck.

 

[p1ngu]

Definitely ask to speak to a consultant. They will be best to advise on what the risks are and how her pregnancy should be managed. I hope it all goes well.

 

[BunnyN]

I am sure they will keep an extra eye on her during pregnancy which will mean extra appointments and scans. It could be that they would recommend a CS over a natural birth as it would be a more controlled environment. It is also possible they won't want your wife to go overdue so could plan delivery on the early side. Those are all things your doctor can discuss with you later. You may be able to speek to a genetic counsellor about the likelihood of the heart defect being passed on. These days they can also get a very detailed look at the baby's heart on scans so you know if you will be expecting any issues.

Your wife sounds amazing and she has already done much that doctors said wasn't possible so while obviously pregnancy holds risks and concerns it is possible she will prove the doctors wrong again by coping better than they expect.

 

[Francy_87]

Hello there,

first of all: Congratulations!

I was born with a very small hole in my heart and the valves where not functioning properly. I got three older sisters and I am the only one that inherit this from my mum.
When I found out I was pregnant I had the same thoughts as you are having at the moment...

I don't know when the last time your wife had a proper check up but trust me, things can change quiet quickly.

I just been to Italy (where I am from) and had a private complete heart scan and check up. I explained that I am pregnant and that I am scared for myself and of course for my baby. Believe it or not the doctor told me that the older I got, the better and stronger my heart became! He did say that there is of course a chance that the baby will have the same issue as me but as for now he could not see any reason for me to not have the baby.

I suggest you go and have (maybe private is better) a proper check up done on your wife and they will definitely tell you, how much of an "issue" this can become for your wife and for the baby.

I wish you all the best!

 

[Diamond18]

I can't comment on your wives experience in growing and birthing, but can give some advice on potential of passing on a congenital heart defect. Your wife will be offered extra scans, usually fetal cardiac scan, usually around 20 weeks or so and possibly another closer to the birth - after birth you'll be offered an eco for the baby around 3 months. They'll be both looked after carefully and closely, I'm sure.