I have already had aortic valve replacement twice. The first time I was 20 (2000), I contracted Endocarditis on my aortic valve (I was born with stenosis)! My valve was replaced with a tissue valve because I wanted to have children. Well I only got married last year, and at the beginning of this year I knew I wasn’t feeling well…it turned out my replacement valve was on its last legs ( it lasted 10 years and 7 months, so I was happy)!

So in July this year I had replacement surgery AGAIN and chose to have another tissue valve. Why? So that I wouldn’t be on anti-coagulants. (these have to carefully monitored during pregnancy)!

Why am I writing all this… Well I wanted you all to know I have certainly thought a lot about this topic. I have researched, asked questions and thought long and hard.

Is it possible to have a baby after aortic valve replacement? My surgeon and cardiologists said yes! Of course each individual case is different, but the fact is yes it is.

When you’re pregnant your blood volume increases, this is why you need to heavily monitored.

My advice: (please note, I’m not a cardiologist, I’m just going off my own experiences.

1) Talk to you cardiologist. Find out what state you valve is in before you put it under any extra pressure.
2) Do I need to have extra monitoring while pregnant? Yes. You will need to be watched carefully.
3) Find out about your own possible risks, we’re all different. Any pregnancy carries risks, so don’t over worry, talk to the experts.
4) if you have a mechanical valve, you must get in touch with your cardiologist NOW if you’re newly pregnant. Your anti-coagulants doses etc will need to be changed. Warfarin can damage your child, so they will change it to heparin most likely. Again I’m no expert, but I do know you MUST have this looked at. Tell your doc right away. BUT don’t panic, they know what their doing.
5) if you have a tissue valve you are most likely not on warfarin, still, it is important that if you have just found out you’re pregnant that you tell you doc/cardiologist. They will want to check you over.

I have not had a baby yet, so you might think what do I know, but I have done the research as I want one (or two if I can). I’m 31 (tomorrow) and 8 weeks post second aortic valve replacement, and my surgeon is happy for me to become pregnant. I will do to. I’m just looking into how long I should leave it (a few months yet)!

So, hopefully those that were under the impression woman shouldn’t get pregnant after heart surgery, they can, but talk to your cardiologist…each case is different.

Do have hope, we can all have hope?

Do be careful. Plan and ensure you stay fit and know what to do to look after yourself.

Do remember there are plenty of women in our shoes who have successfully had children!

I’m going to keep you updated with my blog on my progress. I talk to the docs a lot, and although my case may be different to yours, it will at least let you know one situation.

So yes, I have aortic valve replacement twice, I’m 30 and I will try for a baby! I will have to have my valve replaced again, next time it will be mechanical. This is my chance and I’m going to take it!

I wish you all the very best. Keep savvy and look after yourselves!

Rae xx

I was wondering how things turned out for you. Did you end up getting pregnant? Were there any complications?

My situation is somewhat similar to yours. I am twenty six and I recently found out that I was born with a bicuspal aortic valve. I never knew this until about a month ago. I have severe stenosis and mild regurg and am going to have my valve replaced in about a month or so. I am getting a porcine or bovine valve because my fiance and I desperately want children after we get married in January. We want a big family and, after having children, I will go with a mechanical valve when my porcine valve begins to go.

Please let me know how things went for you. My cardiologist and surgeon are very optimistic, but it’s all still so new to me.

I was wondering how are you doing with your pregnancy. I read your post, Emily and Charity ad now I want my own child even more. I always thought that women with our issues were not successful with having children, however that seems to not be true. Congrats to all of you and thanks for everyone’s posts…. this has helped me to relieve some of the stree, and I guess internet searches can be a big help..