I had my first child almost 11 months ago and my husband really wants to have another baby. My first pregnancy brought on a heart condition called PAT that I have to have surgery for in a couple months. It causes me to have a fast heartrate at times for no reason. My doctor says the surgery has a 95% success rate and thinks it would be ok to have more kids, but I am scared. I also hate to admit it but I did not enjoy being pregnant. I loved my baby of course but pregnancy just made me feel physicaly miserable for 9 months. I would go through it again to have another child but I am terrified that it would bring the heart condition back that has made my life a living hell. Has anyone else had pregnacy's with heart conditions or pregnancy's after heart surgery? I would like any advice I can get. Thanks!
2006-12-27 09:36:58 · 10 answers · asked by Hayley C 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
I understand what you are going through.
I was diagnosed with Grave's Disease (an overactive thyroid) and became pregnant (when I was blatently told - you won't be able to conceive for years because of the stress on your body). I was on medication for my thyroid and heart tablets for a racing heart, which accompanied palpitations.
I tried not to worry through my pregnancy, but understandably - I did.
My daughter was born 2 years ago and she is completely healthy.
While she was in the womb - she started to reverse the scar tissue and I am currently on no medication and my heart rate has gone back to normal and the palpitations have stopped and my thyroid has seemed to settle down.
We are now 6 weeks pregnant with our second child and we did talk about having another child in detail. I also spoke to my doctor and looked at the risks - as I am considered euthyroid (basically normal) this was the best time to try and conceive.
My honest advice is, speak to your husband about your concerns and how you are feeling at this time in your life. You may want another child, but you may not necessarily want one right at this moment.
We decided to wait until I was physically better and was no longer on medication.
Maybe have your operation, wait until your body recovers and when you and only you feel strong enough to carry the pregnancy through then start for another child.
I can truly understand the terrifying feeling of having your condition return.
You need to do what is best for you.
2006-12-27 09:52:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can sympathasie with your situation. I'm 34. My husband is 50.
We have 2 children. Our son is almost 3, our daughter almost 2.
Before our son was born, we went through 7 miscarriages.
Finally the doctors found out why I miscarried. I have a genetic blood clotting disorder. It's called Leiden Factor 5. I have to take medicine all the time to prevent getting a blood clot that could kill me. Pregnancy increases the chances of getting a clot, so the doctor's advised no more trying to have children.
We didn't listen, figuring doctors do not know everything.
I got pregnant, again. This time, my husband had to give me shots of blood thinners in my stomach 4 times a day. I also had to take a lot of pills and go to have blood work once a week. I was
sick a lot. I was hospitalised several times. At 37 weeks, our son was born. He was perfectly healthy and tested negative for the genetic condition I have.
We both wanted another child, right away. Four months after
my son was born, I became pregnant again. I was stupid and didn't take the pills I should have because I listened to someone who said they caused birth defects. I miscarried, again. Two months after the miscarriage, I was pregnant, again with our daughter. She was born at 38 weeks and is perfectly healthy.
Sure, pregnancy was rough (that's putting it mild.) and labor and delivery were hell on earth, and I was risking my own life....
was it worth it....
YES YES YES....
Would I do it all over, again ? Yes, I am.
I'm pregnant, again. Due Aug. 1, 2007
2006-12-27 09:54:08 · answer #2 · answered by txharleygirl1 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all wait until and see how you feel after the surgery! If you want another baby then great but if you have doubts wait before you get pregnant, you are the one that does most of the work right? I have heart problems Psvt (which is my heart rate goes up to 175 beats per minute) and I have a leaky valve. I have 2 boys that are age 6 and 3 and I had no problems with them. Every situation is diffrent though and my problems never required surgery. Let your body rest and then make a decision! Good Luck and I wish you the best of health
2006-12-27 09:42:52 · answer #3 · answered by Kendra M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry you are going through this. I have no personal experience of this but my friend did and the good news is that the baby lived and is doing fantastically! They found out that her baby boys heart was basically flipped the other way at a 20 week scan. She too had to be monitored throughout the rest of her pregnancy and had a c-section at 38 weeks. The surgouns were ready and waiting during the birth to perform surgery on her baby whilst he was still attached to the umbilcal cord! He is doing fantastic and is still at hospital but doing great! Whilst he was still in the womb he was prepared for surgery by injecting the mum with steroids. I know it is so sacry but you have to be positive and think how remarkable the doctors are at the moment. My friend looked for the best hospital and in the end used a hospital in Manchester. The doctors will no doubt want you in for more tests before they can give you more information, thats why they are holding back information. Its great that the doctors will be prepered for the birth and that you know that your baby will need help before he is born. Your baby is going to need extra care but the doctors will give him more than he needs. Good luck with everything.
2016-03-29 08:39:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go through with the surgery and see how that goes and remember that every pregnancy is different. I was so sick with my first and had very little trouble with my second. Some of what made you feel miserable could have been due to the heart condition.
2006-12-27 09:44:36 · answer #5 · answered by knittinmama 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do understand your fear completely! I've never had kids but would love to have some! I was born with a heart condition. i had open-heart surgery at age 19. it's been 12yrs and I'm still afraid. my doctor didn't think that it was good for me to get pregnant at a young age. But now the docs believes I'm fine. I also believe that my health is good and I'm planning to get pregnant in march. I'm just asking everybody to pray for me cause my husband wants a kid badly. If your doctor says it's fine, get a second opinion if you are worried about it. I wish you the best of luck!
2006-12-27 09:45:38 · answer #6 · answered by Jazzy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you need to weigh the risks with how badley you would like another child. If you weigh your risks and decide it's not for you then maybe have a discussion with your husband and tell him how you feel.
If you really decide you'd like another child but don't want to go though pregnancy you can alway check into adoption or foster care.
2006-12-27 09:40:49 · answer #7 · answered by kista_1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a heart attack at 39, then had my 5th child at 41. It was considered a high risk pregnancy, and I had no problems at all. You should consult with your doctors of course, but you will probably be fine as long as you see your doctors regularly. and make sure they are high risk pregnancy doctors.
2006-12-27 09:44:50 · answer #8 · answered by diques1018 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well wat i think you should do is get the surgery and since it will hopefully get better then you and your husband can have another child.....best of luck
2006-12-27 09:45:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
look do u want to get pregnent
do what your heart tell u piece trust me just lisen to your heartr not to anyone elso
2006-12-27 09:39:36 · answer #10 · answered by erikaolsen12 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋