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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

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Written by Adam Pick
Patient & Website Founder

Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

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.

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