Heart Surgery, Pregnancy, Labor And Baby Delivery… Can You Help Shannon?

By Adam Pick on April 22, 2009

I recently received a very interesting email from Shannon about heart surgery, pregnancy, labor and baby delivery. In her note to me, Shannon asks for help from other patients about delivering a baby after heart valve surgery. Can you help her?

 

 

Shannon writes, “Hi Adam! I am a 26-year old female.  I will be having aortic valve repair (due to a bicuspid aortic valve) and aorta replacement (due to an aortic aneurysm) in the next 5-6 weeks.  I am fine with having the surgery and scars.  However, my husband and I would like to have kids within the next few years.  The doctors have said I will be able to carry kids, but are worried about the actual delivery and the various heart conditions they may be born with. I was wondering if you have heard from any women that have been in a similar situation before and may be able to share their experiences with me and my husband. Much love, Shannon”

I have some thoughts about delivering a baby after heart valve surgery. (In particular, I would think a Caesarean section might reduce the strain and protect the valves during labor and delivery.) However, I have not researched this topic extensively.

That said, I am very curious to know what the regular visitors to this blog think. Can you help Shannon? If so, please leave a comment below or read the comments below.

In advance, thanks so much for helping Shannon!!!

Keep on tickin!
Adam


Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick, Heart Valve Patient Advocate

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.


archana says on August 29th, 2017 at 11:48 am

Best of luck Belinda! Certainly feel free to reach out – patel.arch@gmail.com



Avha Mathalauga says on June 21st, 2018 at 6:04 pm

I also had DVR when I was 27 and now am 32 and wishing to have a child, is there anyone with a similar situation and manage to have a successful pregnancy?


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