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) ^[1] and aorta replacement (due to an aortic aneurysm) in the next 5-6 weeks.  I am fine with having the surgery and scars ^[2].  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 click here to share your thoughts about heart valve surgery, pregnancy, labor and delivery ^[3].

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

Keep on tickin!