17068 Heart Disease Pregnancy
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Heart disease in pregnancy means that your heart has to work harder than usual to pump blood for both you and your baby. Some people already have heart conditions before they get pregnant, while others may develop heart problems during pregnancy. With the right care, most people can have a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Key facts
- Pregnancy makes your heart work about 50% harder, especially in the later months.
- With careful planning and a specialist team, most people with heart disease have a safe pregnancy.
- If you have a heart condition, talk to your doctor before becoming pregnant, and get early antenatal care.
Heart disease in pregnancy is not very common, but the number is slowly rising. In the UK, about 1 in 100 pregnant people have some form of heart disease.
It can affect anyone who becomes pregnant. You may have been born with a heart condition, have a condition that runs in your family, or develop heart problems such as high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia during pregnancy.
Symptoms
- Chest pain that does not go away
- Severe difficulty breathing or gasping
- Fainting or collapsing
- Coughing up blood
- Sudden, severe headache with vision changes
- ⚠Swelling in your face, hands, or legs that suddenly gets worse
- ⚠Your heart beating very fast or irregularly
- ⚠Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- ⚠Sudden weight gain over a few days
Common symptoms
- Shortness of breath that is unusual for you
- Chest pain or tightness
- Feeling your heart racing, fluttering, or skipping beats
- Dizziness or fainting
- Swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet
- Feeling very tired or worn out
Symptoms in children
- Babies whose mothers have heart disease may be born early or smaller than expected.
- Some babies may need extra monitoring after birth to make sure they are thriving.
Symptoms in older adults
- If you are over 35 and pregnant, you may have a higher risk of heart problems. The symptoms are the same, but they can sometimes be mistaken for normal pregnancy changes, so it's important to report anything unusual.
Causes
Main causes
- Existing heart conditions, such as congenital heart defects, valve problems, or arrhythmias
- High blood pressure that develops during pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia
- Weakness of the heart muscle, known as heart failure
- Rarely, an infection of the heart
Risk factors
- Previous pregnancy with heart problems
- Age over 35
- Being very overweight
- Diabetes before or during pregnancy
- High blood pressure before pregnancy
- Smoking
- Family history of heart disease
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- If you have any of the emergency symptoms listed above
- If your symptoms are new, severe, or getting worse
- If you are pregnant and have sudden swelling, chest pain, or severe breathlessness
Book a routine appointment if:
- If you have a known heart condition and are thinking about pregnancy
- At your first antenatal appointment, tell your doctor or midwife about any heart history
- If you notice that your usual symptoms have changed, even if they feel mild
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, listen to your heart, and order tests to check how well your heart is working. They may involve a heart specialist (cardiologist) and a pregnancy specialist (obstetrician).
Tests that may be done
- Blood tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) – a quick test that records your heart's rhythm
- Echocardiogram – an ultrasound that takes pictures of your heart
- Holter monitor – a small device you wear for a day or more to record your heartbeat
- Blood pressure checks
What to expect at your appointment
You will be looked after by a team of specialists, including a midwife, an obstetrician, and a cardiologist. They will monitor your heart and your baby closely, and they'll make a plan together with you to keep both of you as safe as possible.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on reducing the stress on your heart while keeping you and your baby safe. This usually means regular check-ups, adjusting any medicines you take, and planning the safest way for you to give birth. Your team will explain all your options and help you make decisions.
Self-care at home
- Rest when you need to
- Keep all your antenatal appointments
- Learn the warning signs and report any changes early
- Follow any activity or rest advice from your doctor
Medical treatments
Some heart medicines are safe to continue during pregnancy, while others may need to be changed or stopped. Your doctors will discuss the safest options for you and your baby. Never stop or change your medication on your own. In some cases, you may need to stay in the hospital for closer monitoring.
When is surgery considered?
Very rarely, heart surgery may be needed during pregnancy. This is only considered when the risk to the mother's or baby's life is very high. Your team will talk through the risks and benefits carefully before recommending it.
Living with this condition
Living with heart disease during pregnancy means working closely with your healthcare team, listening to your body, and making a few adjustments to your daily routine. You may need extra rest, more breaks, and more frequent check-ups, but most people are able to enjoy their pregnancy with the right support.
Lifestyle tips
- Do not smoke or vape
- Avoid alcohol
- Ask your doctor about safe levels of physical activity
- Find ways to relax and reduce stress
- Ask for support from family or friends when you need it
Diet and exercise
Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit salty foods to help keep your blood pressure down. Gentle activities like walking or swimming are often good, but always check with your doctor first for personal advice.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Pregnancy is an emotional time, and having a heart condition can add extra worry or anxiety. It is completely normal to feel scared or overwhelmed. Talk to your healthcare team about your feelings. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others, call your local emergency number right away.
Prevention
You cannot always prevent heart disease, but you can reduce your risks by keeping your blood pressure healthy, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling diabetes, not smoking, and getting specialist advice before pregnancy if you have a known heart condition.
Vaccines
Keep up to date with recommended vaccines, such as flu and whooping cough, to protect you and your baby. Ask your doctor or midwife which vaccines are recommended for you during pregnancy.
Screening programmes
During pregnancy, you will have regular blood pressure checks and urine tests to look for problems like pre-eclampsia. If you have a heart condition, you will also have extra heart scans and growth scans for your baby.
Complications
If left untreated
- Heart failure – the heart struggles to pump enough blood to the body
- Arrhythmias – irregular heart rhythms that can make you feel faint or unwell
- Stroke – a blood clot in the brain, which is a medical emergency
- Pre-eclampsia – very high blood pressure that can harm the mother and baby
- Having a premature or low-birth-weight baby
- In very rare cases, death of the mother or baby, which is why specialist care is so important
Long-term outlook
With careful planning, regular check-ups, and the right medical team, most women with heart disease have a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby. Your doctors will support you every step of the way and help you make the best decisions for you and your family.
Find support
International organisations
External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.
Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
Related conditions
Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 31, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.