Pregnancy in Women with Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Abstract

Women with congenital heart disease are pursuing pregnancy in increasing numbers. Counseling about genetic transmission, medication management, maternal and fetal risks, and maternal longevity should be initiated well before pregnancy is considered. Although preconception medical and surgical optimization as well as coordinated multidisciplinary care throughout pregnancy decrease maternal and fetal risks, the rate of complications remains increased compared with the general population. Lesion-specific risk stratification and care throughout pregnancy further improve outcomes and decrease unnecessary interventions.

Keywords: Congenital heart disease; Fontan; Pregnancy; Tetralogy of Fallot; Transposition of the great arteries.