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Pregnancy is a big milestone in a woman’s life emotionally, mentally, physically and financially. Although there is a lot of preparation going on, one aspect that may not be as prominent is the extraordinary stress of pregnancy on the heart. Being aware of this stress and seeking proper medical guidance helps ensure that both mother and baby remain safe and healthy during pregnancy.
Also read: Obstetrician names 5 nutrients that pregnant mothers cannot miss to reduce the risk of congenital heart problems
HT Lifestyle contacted Dr Sameer Bhate, Senior Consultant and Head of Cardiac Surgery at Amrita Hospitals, Faridabad. He revealed that pregnancy is a serious challenge for heart health.
He said, “As a cardiac surgeon, I have learned that pregnancy is not just an emotional or social milestone – it is one of the most demanding physical tests the human heart faces.”
Why does pregnancy pose a challenge to heart health?
So how much of a physical burden does pregnancy place on a woman’s body and how does it adversely affect her cardiovascular health? According to cardiac surgeons, pregnancy increases the workload on the heart to a great extent.
He said, “during A woman’s blood volume increases by approximately 40 to 50% during pregnancy. The heart pumps faster to supply oxygen to both the mother and the fetus. Cardiac output increases markedly, and blood pressure dynamics change during the trimester.
But Dr. Bhate assured that a healthy heart is normally able to adapt. Problems arise when someone is ill, suffering from other diseases. They commented, “However, for a heart already burdened by disease, additional stress may be clinically significant.”
Who is at risk?
Dr. Bhate further highlighted some of the conditions that can make pregnancy especially hard on the heart, including congenital heart disease, valve disorders, chronic kidney disease, and high blood pressure. Without close monitoring, subtle symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath and palpitations are often mistaken for normal pregnancy-related changes, she said, leading to underlying heart conditions silently progressing.
The cardiac surgeon also shared the case of Mahlet from Ethiopia, who had mitral valve replacement at the age of 24. Over the years, four pregnancies had put a strain on her heart and implanted valves. They deteriorated rapidly. In his early forties, his valves developed serious malfunctions and he required a very complex heart surgery. So while pregnancy did not cause the condition, it actually increased the progression.
This means that women with cardiovascular comorbidities need to take extra precautions. The surgeon recommends that they should seek pre-pregnancy consultation, regularly keep in touch with both a cardiologist and an obstetrician, monitor and report symptoms, adhere to medications and plan for delivery in a hospital equipped for high-risk cardiac care.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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