Overview
Pregnancy places significant hemodynamic demands on the cardiovascular system — demands that can be dangerous for women with congenital or acquired heart disease. Our cardio-obstetrics program provides pre-conception counseling, risk stratification, and coordinated care throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period to protect both mother and baby.
Pre-Conception Risk Assessment
The cornerstone of a safe cardiac pregnancy is thorough pre-conception evaluation. Using validated tools such as the modified WHO classification, CARPREG, and ZAHARA risk scores, we stratify maternal cardiac risk and provide clear, individualized recommendations. For high-risk patients, we discuss contraception options, medication adjustments, and — when appropriate — the option to pursue pregnancy with a detailed safety plan.
Managing Pregnancy with Heart Disease
During pregnancy, cardiac patients require closer surveillance than standard obstetric care provides. We coordinate with maternal-fetal medicine specialists to monitor hemodynamics, adjust medications, and plan delivery timing and mode. Serial echocardiography, biomarker tracking, and symptom-guided visit scheduling help detect decompensation early.
Delivery Planning
Delivery planning is a team effort involving cardiology, obstetrics, anesthesiology, and neonatal care. We create individualized delivery plans that specify the preferred mode of delivery, hemodynamic monitoring requirements, anesthesia considerations, and contingency protocols. Most cardiac patients can deliver vaginally with appropriate monitoring and support.
Postpartum & Long-Term Follow-Up
The postpartum period carries its own set of cardiac risks, including fluid shifts, arrhythmia, and peripartum cardiomyopathy. We provide structured postpartum follow-up at 1–2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3–6 months to ensure hemodynamic recovery. Breastfeeding guidance and medication safety reviews are included in every postpartum plan.
Who Is This For?
- Women with congenital or acquired heart disease considering pregnancy
- Pregnant patients with known cardiac conditions needing coordinated care
- Patients seeking pre-conception counseling and risk stratification
- Postpartum women with cardiac concerns or new symptoms