WPW and pregnancy

[Nancy11]

Hi there,
I am a 28 year old female who was diagnosed with WPW about 7 years ago (by fluke).  I have had some (about 7 or so) ‘spells’ however 2 different cardiologists suspect that they were vagal episodes based on their description.  I am not taking any medication and it has been a while since any ‘spell’ type events.  I am otherwise healthy.  While I have done a holter test, events capture, echo, and chest x-ray all seems normal with the exception of the ECG tracing showing WPW and a mild murmur (the cardiologist said this was inconsequential).  He did say however, that the ECG tracing was unusual and he suspects that my accessory pathway may not be in a ‘typical spot’.  He is thinking perhaps that it is epicardial or in a coronary sinus aneurysm??.  I suppose I am wondering if it would be safe for me to try to conceive prior to having and EP study (with ablation if necessary), or would it be best for me to wait.  If I did conceive, could I further damage my heart?  What might my risks be if I became pregnant prior to and EP study/ablation?  If it were a coronary sinus aneurysm, is this dangerous?  I really want to start a family (and would prefer not to wait on the lengthy public list – private is not an option), but am also conscious of my (and a fetus’ wellbeing).  Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.  

Thanks

[AndiJ78]

Considering WPW attacks aren't brought on by stress, you should be able to get pg without any complications. However, I would highly recommend getting the ablation done first just to get it all taken care of before TTC. The recovery for that is super fast, my dh has had his done twice for the same reason (first time they had to pull out before getting the reverse circuit due to his heart swelling) the second one was a resounding success and he, too, was left with with a murmur unrelated to the WPW. He had only a few days of mild discomfort at the insertion sites and was actually back playing softball within a week.

If you do go forth with the ablation, a little hint for you, ask the doc to keep you sedated for several hours following the surgery, makes dealing with not being able to move or sit upright for hours afterwards much more bearable!!

Andi

[keeta79]

I really recommend having the ablation first and then get pregnant.  I am 27 and I was diagnosed with WPW a year ago.  I don't have many complications from it, just palpitations here and there.  I also want to start a family like ASAP.  My plan is to have the ablation in Dec or Jan, recover, which is short -then get pregnant within the next few months after. People usually go home the same day of the ablation.  I am a RN on a telemetry unit and I have did my share of research.  Being pregnant puts your body under stress and you never know what it could do to your WPW, everyone's body is different. It's better to be safe than sorry!  Hope this helps.

[canibosh]

I was diagnosed with WPW when I was 22 years old, after having a very bad episode while in a spin class.  I spent 5 1/2 years on a beta blocker which I hated.  I still had flutters even on the medicine.  I finally hit a point where I was pretty much forced to have the ablation due to the fact that I had asthma and the medicine was affecting my asthma, and the asthma medicine was affecting my WPW.  I'm glad I had the ablation, however my surgery was very rough so I would never want to do it again.  I woke up during surgery and well my recovery after that was about 3 weeks.  I did my fair share of research on ablations and the doctor, etc...I even interviewed several people who had ablations and everyone recovered fast, however I had a tough surgery so unfortunately it was a longer road. I agree that if there is a way to keep you sedated after you wake up from surgery that would be great nothing is worse then laying flat unable to move for nearly 7 hours with weights on you, I certainly could have done without that.

I still have flutters and have even been checked numerous times to make sure it hasn't come back. It's been 6 years now, but I too worry about getting pregnant and how my heart will feel.  Although I am supposedly cured, I wonder if it will come back afterwards or if I will have issues during my pregnancy.  I heard that after having a child your chances of WPW coming back increase not sure if that is true or not.  Just wondering if anyone has had the ablation and then got pregnant and how their pregnancy was...I agree you should have the ablation before getting pregnant because WPW is so unpredictable it would be horrible to have an episode during your pregnancy.  As well you don't want to be on a beta blocker and get pregnant either.  Lastly they say the risk of living with WPW is greater then actually having the ablation.  There is nothing worse than having these episodes, they are very scary and definitely something you can't control. It's better to take care of it then live with it because it only gets worse.  Good luck!

[mrs_mississippi]

i have had wpw all my life. 5 kids. everything was fine. they just toke special care of me.