This section is written for women with a history of congenital or acquired heart disease, heart valve problems or certain other cardiac conditions and who are pregnant or considering pregnancy. It will also be useful to women who develop heart problems during pregnancy.

A woman with heart disease should consult her cardiologist before becoming pregnant. Together they can talk about her heart condition, plan for her pregnancy and consider what may be involved in caring for her child later.

Women with a normal heart who develop heart problems such as high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat may need a cardiologist's care during pregnancy.