Mitral valve regurgitation and pregnancy - Heart Disorders Message Board

WATCHOUT! · 03-28-2008, 03:59 PM

Hi!

Here's my story...I have had many medical problems over the years, but was just diagnosed with Mitral Valve regurgitation 2 months ago. I am 35 years old with two kids and would like to consider another pregnancy. My first pregnancy was good, afterwards I felt sick, heart beat was faster, but seemed to get better a couple months postpartum..by child number 2..I was diagnosed with an overactive thyroid and was put on beta-blockers due to my rapid heartbeat. I have never been able to get off the beta blockers and then found out after having an echo done that I have mild regugritation. I am wondering if there is anyone out there that knows, DOES MVR get worse after pregnancy and stay that way? I don't want to make the problem worse and then put my life in danger. I have two kids already, but feel there is someone missing in my life. Any opinions would be appreciated. I have thought about adopting as well and am weighing both options. Just trying to figure out what to do, as I don't want to regret not having more kids down the road. Thanks!

hopesprings2 · 03-28-2008, 08:00 PM

it is hard to say what will make it act up since it seem like so many different things for different people
you really need to ask your doctor

Mileena42 · 03-28-2008, 10:05 PM

Since you know you have MVR I am assuming you had an echo and by extenstion have a cardiologist. If not, then you need to see one. Ask him all your concerns about becoming pregnant. From what I know about it, I think it can be done, and since you say it is "mild" thats a plus for you.
Of course no one can answer all your questions and concerns except your doctor, and he would also have all your information to help him to help you. The only really sound advice I can give you is....I wouldn't become pregnant before talking with my doctor and weighing all the risks. It may be of no concern at all, and it may be since you had some discomforts with the last one.

I wish you all the luck!
Mileena

WATCHOUT! · 03-29-2008, 01:12 PM

Hi again!

I have seen a cardiologist in the past and my regular doctor says it is ok if I wanted to get pregnant again, but I would be considered high risk. My feeling is that I want to know if anyone out there has ever had this problem before becoming pregnant and if they got worse, say going from mild to moderate AFTER pregnancy. I am so torn right now on what to do...I have extremely easy kids..though I know after pregnancy I get sick, and stay that way at least a year. Since I have other kids already, I just don't want to be selfish and have more kids possibly endangering my life. I know I am willing to take that risk, I just don't want to further damage my heart and my current kids not having a Mom. Doctors in the past have told me things and have been wrong often...so I trust myself and others who actually have gone through things themselves. I have a great Dr.now, but still prefer to hear what opinions others have on things. I see my Dr. regularly so I know I can, with lots of supervision, be pregnant..but SHOULD I...? just the tough question right now!

hrschk · 04-02-2008, 01:39 PM

I had an echo 3 weeks ago and met with my cardio yesterday about the results - basically my heart appears normal with mild regurgitation - that they are not concerned about nor requires any treatment AND will not affect my pregnancy in any way. I am currently 11 weeks pregnant - I specifically asked my cardio and he said he saw nothing in my "abnormal" holter from January (which showed over 2,000 premature beats and over 1,200 "pauses" of under 2.5 seconds in a 24 hour period), his physical exam of me, the baseline EKG, and the Echo to indicate any cardiac issue......told me to go have a healthy happy pregnancy and enjoy my new baby! I would still check with your cardio person to be sure - as we are all different and have different issues - but, without any other heart issues - I would bet that a mild regurgitation will not be impacted by pregnancy - or vice versa! Good Luck!