Pulmonary Atresia
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Pregnancy Issues

The risks inherent in pregnancy for the mother with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum depend on her surgical history and current symptoms. However, successful pregnancy is possible with careful medical supervision. Also, it is usually recommended that the health of the developing fetus be monitored using fetal echocardiography.

Pregnancy is considered to be high-risk for individuals with cyanosis, which may be present in the patient who received either the "two ventricle" or the "one and one half ventricle" treatments.

"Two ventricle" expectant mothers may experience right heart failure because of the increase in blood supply during pregnancy. Atrial arrhythmias may also occur. These risks are increased if there is significant pulmonary stenosis or regurgitation of the tricuspid valve.

Patients who received the "one and a half" treatment approach who are cyanotic (with resting oxygen saturations of below 85%) will be subject to enhanced risks of circulatory complications, miscarriage, and premature births.

"One Ventricle" patients who become pregnant face greater risks of blood clot formation, congestion of the veins, the development of atrial arrthythmias, and a breakdown in ventricular function.

Anyone with congenital heart disease, repaired or non-repaired, should consult with their cardiologist prior to becoming pregnant to review the risks.