Pacemaker and pregnancy

Hi,

Wondering if anyone can help? I am 29 with a pacemaker caused from a viral infection, it is a 2wire pacer I had complete heart block I had this fitted in 2005, I am 12weeks pregnant and had an appointment with my midwife today she told me without seeing my cardio notes or knowing my history, that I am a high risk pregnancy? Is this true? She also said there is a possibility I may need C sectioned from as early as 28weeks! I am really confused by this as my cardiologist told me in july 2011 I would be fine to go full term and have a vaginal birth, he also told me after an echo that there was a significant improvement in my heart, so really my question is why has my midwife even said any of this to me? Any info would be greatly received, I intend on returned to my cardiologist also but just wanted to ask on here? To settle my worries really, thanks for your time.

2 Comments

me too

by mereiriz - 2012-02-20 07:02:10

I have a resynchronization therapy pacemaker and 3 leads. I'm 28 and planning to get pregnant. My cardiologist always said that we'd need to be extra cautious about pregnancy because it could exacerbate some old arrhythmias I used to have. That was before the PM. After the PM, she's still not very confident, but my electrophysiologist told me there is nothing to worry about. My obstetrician suggested consulting a specialist in high-risk pregnancies (just to be sure). I'll be doing that soon. I've heard that it's possible that I might need a C-section, but it's not for sure either. So, technically I'm on the same boat as you. I've heard many stories of women with PMs having vaginal births without complications, but I've also heard the other side. I guess it depends on your specific condition and your status at the time. My recommendation is this: ask your doctor what's best for you and forget about the rest.

Best wishes,
Meredith

I was okay...

by KIRWEN1004 - 2012-02-21 08:02:31

Feb. 2011 I had a pacemaker implanted after my ablation due to SVT. After speaking to my cardiologists and being told it would be completely safe for me to have a normal pregnancy I got pregnant with my second child.

My midwife was also worried and unsure of how everything worked with a pacemaker. She also thought I would be considered a high risk patient. After consulting the head OB at the office he said that as long as they had a letter from my cardiologist stating it was safe for me to be pregnant, that my heart was healthy enough and also covered what type of delivery would be best they would treat me and deliver my daughter.

My son was born January 12, 2012 - drug free. C-Section wasn't even brought up....as it shouldn't be unless truly needed. I can't imagine why they would want you to deliver your child so early when it would put him/her at risk for complications and disabilities. You may want to consider going to another doctor or midwife.

Good Luck.

Kirs

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