19Yrs old and 30wks pregnant with dilated cardiomyopathy

[staceya88]

Has anyone here been pregnant and giving birth with a heart condition? Would like to know what the docs did for them? or if anyone has anyideas what they think might be the go or what to stay clear of?

[keta100]

I am 33 yrs old and i was diagnosed with PPCM just 15 months ago. When i was about 6 months pregnant i began to have increased shortness of breath, I couldn't sleep without my head being propped up on pillows, and my heart rate was high with some palpitations. With just the slighest activity i would feel like i was suffocating. And before all of those symptoms, i had a dry hacking cough when i was about 5 months. My OB/GYN treated me for a respiratory infection. Then the other symptoms came and he referred me to a cardiologist. My EF was 50% at the time of the echo so the MD chopped my symptoms up to being pregnant. Until, one day i was at work, and I just could not breathe. I was rushed to the ER and the only was i could breathe was to slouch over on a table or put my hands up. As soon as the cardiologist seen me he said he immediately knew what was wrong. My EF got down to 15-20% and my heart was just quivering, did not have a strong pump at all. They diuresed me and took off 4 liters of fluid. And I was induced to go into labor the next day. I was 31 weeks and 6 days. My baby girl spent 2 weeks in NICU and she did wonderful. I am now on medications, toprol and lisinopril. Its been 15 months and my EF is now 50%. I feel alot better. But now my frustration and depression comes from not being able to have another baby. i always wanted a big family. I do have 2  other children by a previous relationship but this my husband's first and only. We always talked about having 2 together. I had my first 2 when i was very young and struggling. Now that I am married, have my life together, its been very enjoyable to have a child the right way & now my choice to have more has been taken away. I pray for everyone in the same situation, for your strength and courage, and please pray for me. Does anyone know of anyone that has had PPCM and had a subsequen pregnancy? What was the outcome?

[lucky2beealive]

I have Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyapathy and I am 29 yrs. old. I was diagnosed with this 7 yrs. ago, after I had my daughter, who is now 7, of course.
I was pregnant twice by new husband and my cardiologists told me, I would not make it into the 4th month of pregnancy without dying !
I NOW WONDER if I could have found special doctors that could have allowed me to carry and maybe, possibly, have a c-section, for less strain on my heart ?
Also, when I was diagnosed 7 yrs. ago, I was life-flighted in a helicopter 1 month after my daughters` birth and nearly needed a heart transplant.
My ejection fraction was only 10% and I had congestive heart failure. with 8 liters of fluid on my lungs. I was literally drowning to death. I was given a catheter to drain the fluids off of my lungs, and my skin changed every color as I was slowly able to breathe again. With meds, I am holding stable now, and EF is nearly 50%.
Also, my heart has gotten a bit stronger.
But, I still cannot live without the meds.
Question being....Could I have had those babies, or is it impossible to have a baby with such severe heart problems ?

[Dianai]

I am a mom with a 25yr old son who has conjestive heart failure with cardiomyopathy he is going to have his first baby in may, he is worried about all the drugs his has had to take causing birth defects. his EF was 14 and we just about lost him. I just wanted to tell you to keep your thoughts positive!! and wish you and baby well. Listen to your doctors and do everything they tell you to do. YOU both are in our prayers. Good Luck and God bless!!! Dianai

[staceya88]

Thank you all for you replies,I think they have called it Dilated Cardiomyopathy. I'm 19years old and only got diagnosed in june, a few months after finding out i was pregnant, but they say i have had this for a while but not sure how long or what has caused it.. Ive been seening a cardiologist since day dot they sent me away for lots of test which was a bit scary.. My EF was 39% it is not as low as some other people but is still not normal. My resting heart rate is about 90+ bpm, making the bed or walkin up to catch the bus it goes to about 140bpm.Get very breathless at times. Ive been takin meds for it but a low dose cause im pregnant, Metobrolol which has been helping. Ive been told that when i go into labour they want me there so i will be monitored and have a slow and long does of epidural and use the forceps thats what they think is best atm, and than ill be in intensive care for 12+ hrs. Still have to find out more

[anacyde]

Babies actually fare very well in moms with PPCM.  The only complications they typically face come up if they have to be delivered early for mom's sake.  Even then, they usually do very well.

[000111]

You've been getting some really good advise here. The fact that you have a diagnosis means your seeing someone. Follow their advise, every single word, this is VERY serious for both you and your baby. Please let us know how you do, and Good Luck
gail

[anacyde]

Feel free to send me a private message here by going to my profile page (click my name).

PPCM is very serious.  When were you diagnosed?  Are you seeing a cardiologist?  What's your EF?  How symptomatic are you?  Are you on any medications like a beta blocker?  Sorry for all the questions but that stuff is what you need to be aware of.  You'll need close monitoring during delivery, a cardiologist should be on hand because of the volume load your heart gets after delivery - it could be potentially very dangerous.

Now I'm going to be worried about you until I hear from you, so please send a message, ok?  I'm a survivor, and I know a bunch of great women who have gone through this too.  You need good medical professionals on your side, it's vital.

Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

[anacyde]

Hello.  Please visit www.amothersheart.org  There is a support forum, an excellent doctor and a bunch of resources and stories about this condition (Peripartum Cardiomyopathy) there.  Let me know if you reseive my response, I'm so sorry I didn't see your message sooner.