Having a baby

[teach27]

Hello, I have two beautiful boys ages four and six.  I found out I have a myopathy and a DVT and CHF. I have been on meds for two years and have done very well.. I just found out I am pregnant and with all the meds I am on I am scared it might be a bad idea to continue on with the pregnancy, however I am only twenty seven and the idea of having another baby is great!!! I tried to talk to my family doctor, and she actually said, I WILL drop you, well I have been dropped, because I said I dont know what to do. Helpful advice is needed. Thanks

[GardeniaDreams]

You are in need of a very good gyn/ob and a very good cardiologist who will work together with you your medicines  need to be adjusted to something that will cause least harm , but still keep the heart going almost full bedrest and or doing very little so no housework no childcare no pregnancy gym/exercise  see to survive each day get as far into the pregnancy as possible have a C-section with a cardiologist nearby well for me its been 10 years ago having done all this I still ended up with a complicated  emergency C-section in the weekend with not my own doctors but the ones on call ,I am still paying the price I am on limited time I now have terminal heart failure. Someone
recently posted on the journals about not being able to finish the job of raising their kids.
Find the journal post and read it.Life is full of very hard choices.Take care & greetings.GD

[Heart52]

I am 21yrs old and have a 1.5yr old son.  My husband and I wanted 2 children, but that is now impossible.  In my 3rd trimester in late 2007 I had a hard time. I was so tired and swollen, I just hacked it up to being pregnant.  But it wasn't.  5 months later I was at work with hot flashes and passed out.  I went through several doctors that told me it was everything from hormones to hot flashes and finally I recieved an answer yesterday.  I was sent to MUSC teaching hospital for follow up of 2 ER visits last week with my heart rate jumping from 120-252 in less than 20 seconds.  I have now been diagnosed with Stage 3 CHF with a very poor prognosis.   I wanted another child very badly and to have a good experience with pregnancy.  But if your heart cannot take daily routines without taking your medications, especially medications that will harm the baby, you should strongly consider aborting.  I know as a mother that would be a TERRIBLE thing to do, but is having one more baby worth leaving your already beautiful 2 other sons and your husband with a new baby with no wife? Good Luck to you on your decision, I will be praying for you.

[grendslori]

I totally agree. My daughter also had a severe form of Cardiomyopathy (HCM) and was told she could never have any children as it would kill her. If you are really hell bent on having this baby, and no one could blame you for that, talk to a good high risk OB-GYN doctor and follow their advice.

[Encephalomalcia]

Being pregnant is hard on ones heart.  Your body will make 5 pounds of extra blood.  Your blood pressure will rise.  I am not sure what heart medications you are on, but some are very dangerous to the fetus.  This will be a high risk pregnancy for both you and the baby.  You will need to consult another doctor.  My friend has cardiomyopathy and she had surgery to prevent becoming pregnant because the pregnancy could end her life.  Be careful, you have two young children that need you.