Comments on: Melinda Gets Pregnant Before Heart Valve Surgery!

By: Gina

Gina — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:05:01 +0000

Reading what everyone is writing is giving me a lot of hope, thank you. I turned 24 in July of 2011 and that same month found out I was pregnant. My fiancé and I were both extremely happy, but at the same time worried about my heart mur mur (bicuspid aortic valve). After running a series of tests I was told that the narrowing of my heart valve was so severe that going through with the pregnancy was impossible. I was left with two choices, neither was good. One was to terminate the pregnancy asap to have surgery done and the other was to continue with pregnancy, but I would still be at high risk of myself or the baby dying, or both. I prayed about, cried about it, and thought about it…I only had a small amount of time to think about it. Although it was not what I wanted I ended up terminating my pregnancy, I was devastated. Protestors outside the clinic made me feel like a monster…I had the Ross Procedure done on November 2nd. I know the sternum takes about 6 months to properly heal, but I deeply and whole heartedly hope and pray that afer that time I am given the okay to conceive. Before I became pregnant I always said I wasn’t ready to be a mother, but after feeling something growing inside of you, well it changes your perspective and it made me feel so alive, an unexplainable feeling. After going through all of this I can honestly say I have been keeping a positive outlook, but every now and then I think about my baby that would have been born on March of 2012 and I shed a tear or more…and definitely can be heart breaking seeing family members who also had their babies recently. It’s definitely not easy, but I hope I may be as fortunate as some of you. God bless.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:58:13 +0000

Hi Melinda,
I have included my e-mail in hopes that you might respond. I found your story while googling to see if anyone outt here with valve disease is pregnant.
I had my 2 yr old and suffered complications just after delivery. They originally told me no more, but based on how i am doing and my last echo and stress test they say go ahead. I am more than anxious and kidn of freaking out….any updates? Any adive?

By: Natalie Nixon

Natalie Nixon — Thu, 27 May 2010 15:22:15 +0000

Hi Melinda,

Your story is truly inspiring and I wonder how you and your family are today. I am 20 years old and as a young child I was diagnosed with a coarctation of the aorta which had to be repaired immediately. I also have a small VSD and a Bicuspid valve and contemplate the possibility of surgery at some point in the future, although it is not needed at the moment.

I have just completed my degree and gotten a job, also I have just found out that I am 7 weeks pregnant. My main concern is that my heart problems will be passed onto our child and how my conditions may affect me and my health during my pregnancy. I also wonder if this was the case what could be done to help me.

I am so surprised to find that there are so many similar stories.

Many Thanks

By: Mandy

Mandy — Mon, 17 May 2010 23:07:34 +0000

Hi Melinda,

RE: Female with Moderate Aortic Stenosis who wishes to get pregnant!

I am a 34 year old (4”10” in height and 85 pounds in weight) female who has been diagnosed with a congenital unicuspid valve. I have been seen by cardialogists at Cornell Weill, Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins who agree that I am not eligible for surgery because I currently have a moderate aortic stenosis with the following measurements:

Aortic Valve Area: 1.4 mm squared
Ascending Aorta in its maximal dimension: 36 mm (enlarge when considering body size)
Aortic Arch: 30 mm
Descending Aorta: 13 mm (is considered normal)

Since unicuspid valve occurs only in .02% of the population and is predominant in males (3 males to 1 female), my cardiologists have been able to make their assessments based on bicuspid valve cases. With respect to pregnancy, I have been told by one of my cardiologists that there is 1% chance that my dilated/enlarged aorta may rupture due to the increase in blood volume and pressure during pregnancy.

To make a sound decision, I was hoping that you could please share your pregnancy experience, especially if you are similar in body size, diagnosis, and aortic measurements.

With much appreciation,

Mandy

By: Linda

Linda — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:50:16 +0000

Hi Melinda,

Hope things are going well for you. I also live in Tampa, Fl. and I was looking for a good cardiologist who works with patients that have congenital biscuspid valve stenosis. Who is your cardiologist and I think you mentioned you had a surgeon in mind and where is he located? It is important to have a doctor you can talk to. Linda

By: Gina

Gina — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 03:44:17 +0000

I am 32 years-old and was born with bicuspid aortic valve stenosis. I had a balloon valvotomoy when I was just five years-old. As a teenager I was told by doctors that I would probably need valve replacement sometime in my forties. I had my first baby three years ago I tolerated my first pregnancy very well with a planned c-section, however I developed a heart arythmia during the pregnancy. I am still taking a beta-blocker to control it today. I just found out that I’m pregnancy again. I am excited, but very, very nervous. I am happy to hear that there are other women out there experiencing similar issues because I usually feel like I’m the only one.

By: lisa

lisa — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:08:49 +0000

I am a 26 years old and I have had 5 heart surgeries a balloon catheterization a steins, 2 mitral valve repairs and then in 2003 they ended up replacing my mitral valve with the st. Jude valve my husband and I have been together for seven years and would love nothing more than to start a family of our own. Is there hope for us to have a normal healthy baby? my cardiologist said it would be OK to have kids. He was a pediatric cardiologist I have seen for the last 22 years until this year when he said he can’t see me anymore because I am to old. LOL! so now I am stuck with all these questions and looking for a new doctor Its all kinda scary. does anyone have a success story that might give me some hope

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:35:37 +0000

Rebecca-

My surgery went ok….although ten days later I am still in the hospital due to some post surg complications. The worst part of it all is that I am not able to see/hold my children. My md told me that I too will have lifting restrictions but she said I could feed my baby if someone puts them in my arms and I have plenty of arm support with pillows. Praying your surgery goes well too!!!!

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:39:53 +0000

Sarah,

I too have two small children ages 4 and 9 weeks – I am having my aortic valve replaced on Oct 14. I am glad that there is another young mother out there like me dealing with this. I am concerned about lifting my baby afterwards and how long it might take before I am comfortable bathing him etc. Dr. says I will have no restrictions after 6 weeks, but that is an awfully long time in my book. Praying that your sugery goes well!

By: Rose M.

Rose M. — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:31:18 +0000

Hi Melinda,
I am post Ross procdure and during my pregnancies I was followed by my cardiologist and OB more often than usual. I have 2 children, 4 & 8. I am now 38. I found out about my condition when I was 18 and was told by my 1st cardiologist that I would have to have all my children by 28y.o. I did not feel comfortable with that, so I went to seek a second opinion. I stayed with my 2nd cardiologist till today. I agree with Adam, that everyone is different. Your body/symptoms and data collected will let you know when it is really time to have your surgery. GOOD LUCK with your pregnancy/pregnancies.