It can be advantageous for a woman to know of her heart condition before conceiving and be seen by a
cardiologist. This consultation is aimed at determining the extent of the condition and planning any care once you are pregnant. Diagnosing a heart problem during pregnancy can sometimes be difficult, because the signs that a cardiologist looks for in non-pregnant women (such as an increased heart rate, breathlessness,
palpitations and heart murmurs) can be normal for many woman when they are pregnant.
Care for women with heart conditions will vary and depend on the severity. For some women with a mild heart murmur (or a condition regarded as Class l or ll), their care may include:
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Seeing a cardiologist once or twice during the pregnancy. |
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Possibly having a cardiac ultrasound (an ultrasound of the heart). |
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Possibly having a halter monitor test (A machine worn for 24 hours at home to monitor and record your heart beat patterns). |
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Having some intravenous (IV) penicillin (or an alternative) during labour. |
NOTE: Penicillin during labour is aimed at preventing an infection of the heart and is standard treatment for anyone with heart conditions, especially if undergoing an operation, dental treatment or labour and birth.
For other women, especially experiencing Class lll or lV, the care may include all of the above and more, such as: