Rheumatic Heart Disease and Pregnancy: Risks and Causes

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful journeys a woman can take — but for those living with rheumatic heart disease (RHD), it comes with real medical challenges that need expert attention. Pregnancy changes a lot in the body, especially the heart and blood vessels. Women with rheumatic heart disease need to take extra care, keep an eye on things, and plan ahead during pregnancy to avoid problems for both mother and baby.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), RHD affects an estimated 55 million people worldwide and claims approximately 360,000 lives each year, the majority in low- or middle-income countries

Source Url: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rheumatic-heart-disease

 
If you have heart disease and want to get pregnant, you need expert care. Call on +91 9667064100 to talk to heart experts

What is Rheumatic Heart Disease?

Rheumatic Heart Disease is a condition that affects heart valves because of rheumatic fever, which is caused by untreated streptococcal throat infections. The immune system hurts heart valves over time, making them narrower or prone to leaking, which slows down blood flow and puts more stress on the heart. Pregnancy makes the condition worse because it makes the heart work harder and the blood volume higher. According to the American Heart Association, 60% of cases of rheumatic fever that aren't treated cause damage to the heart valves.
 

Key details about Rheumatic Heart Disease:

• Caused by throat infections that weren't treated

• Permanently hurts heart valves

• Makes you tired and short of breath

• Needs to be watched for life
   

Rheumatic Heart Disease in Pregnancy

Rheumatic heart disease frequently impacts young women, particularly in developing nations where untreated throat infections are prevalent. Knowing how the condition affects pregnancy can help lower the risks for both the mother and the baby.

Why being aware is important

• Raises the chance of heart problems during pregnancy

• Needs special monitoring

• Planning ahead leads to better health 

• Stops heart attacks and other health issues

How Rheumatic Heart Disease Affects Pregnancy

Knowing how rheumatic heart disease affects pregnancy can help pregnant women get ready for a safe pregnancy. During pregnancy, the heart needs to work harder to provide blood for the baby along with the mother. This extra work increases the load on the heart and can potentially cause heart issues.

Changes in the heart during pregnancy

• The amount of blood that needs to be pumped goes up by 50%

• The heart rate goes up

• The need for oxygen goes up

• The chance of fluid overload goes up

According to the European Society of Cardiology, 16% of pregnancies in women with pre-existing CVD experience a cardiac event.

Risks to the Mother During Pregnancy

Women with moderate to severe valve disease are more likely to have heart failure, arrhythmias, and fluid buildup during pregnancy.

• Possible risks to the mother

• Failure of the heart

• Heartbeat that isn't regular

• Clots in the blood

• Shortness of breath

Risks to the Baby During Pregnancy

Expecting mothers need to know about the risks to their baby during pregnancy. Less blood flow and oxygen delivery could slow down the growth and development of the foetus.
 

Possible dangers to the baby
 

• Birth before the due date

• Small weight at birth

• Limited growth

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, babies whose mothers have heart disease are twice as likely to be born early.

Common Causes and Triggers of Rheumatic Heart Disease

Common triggers: 

• Getting throat infections repeatedly

• Not completing the prescribed course of antibiotics when the infection is in early stages

• Incomplete  follow-up care

Diagnosis and Monitoring During Pregnancy

• Tests for monitoring

• Echocardiogram

• Watching the ECG

• Keeping an eye on blood pressure

• Regular visits to the cardiologist

Treatment Options and Precautions for Pregnant Women

Ways to treat

• Medicines that are safe for heart function

• Antibiotics to keep infections from happening

• Anticoagulants if needed

• Physical activity that is controlled

Planning a Safe Pregnancy with Rheumatic Heart Disease
 

How to plan for pregnancy

• Review of medications

• Better ways of living

• Consultation with a specialist in high-risk pregnancies
   

Tips for a healthy pregnancy lifestyle

Good habits can help lower the risk of problems during pregnancy.

Tips for a healthy pregnancy

• Eat a balanced diet

• Don't eat too much salt

• Handle stress

• Go for regular checkups

• Do exactly what the doctor says
   

If you are in Noida and looking for trusted cardiac care through your pregnancy journey, expert help is just a call away at +91 9667064100.

Conclusion

Pregnancy with rheumatic heart disease is not something to navigate alone — but with the right support, it absolutely can be a safe and joyful experience. The earlier you understand your condition and work with a specialist, the better placed you are to protect both yourself and your baby. Small steps like knowing your risks, attending regular check-ups, and planning your pregnancy in advance can make an enormous difference to your outcome.