Third Trimester Heart Scare
Little Known Heart Condition that May Occur in the Third Trimester
What every pregnant woman should know about the rare heart condition, Peripartum Cardiomyopathy, that targets expecting moms late in their third trimester and postpartum.
Little has been written about a rare heart condition called peripartum cardiomyopathy that is responsible for about 4% of maternal deaths related to pregnancy. Sadly, it can be fatal and its cause still has researchers and doctors baffled.
What It Is
Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a form of congestive heart failure that affects about 1 out of every 1,300 to 4,000 pregnant women in the U.S. This is a wide varying range, but that is due to the fact that there is not a lot of documented research on the condition, even though it has been detected in pregnant women as far back as the mid 1800s. Cardiac failure usually occurs in the last month of pregnancy and up to five months after giving birth. It is estimated that about 50% of women with the condition will recover, some as early as six months. Thirty percent will experience chronic heart failure and about 10% will have their hearts fail completely. For the latter case, these women either die or can only be saved by a heart transplant. Those who do recover are at risk for developing the condition with subsequent pregnancies and, therefore, are discouraged from having more children.
Who It Affects
According to the organization, A Mother’s Heart, the condition is more common in women carrying multiple children such as twins or triplets, and women who are experiencing preeclampsia. African American women also seem to be more susceptible based on case studies. Also, it does not affect strictly first time moms. There are women who have had several successful pregnancies and still got peripartum cardiomyopathy. But because so little is known about what causes the condition it is believed that any pregnant woman can be at risk, even those who are young and healthy with no previous heart problems.
Symptoms
The symptoms of peripartum cardiomyopathy include:
- shortness of breath – especially when lying down
- persistent cough
- chest pains
- extreme swollenness in ankles, feet, hands, face and even abdomen
- extreme and constant fatigue
- heart palpitations
- frequent nighttime urination
The problem is that a lot of these are typical pregnancy symptoms, but again, peripartum cardiomyopathy can occur in the five months postpartum when most of these symptoms should disappear. If it is not your first pregnancy, your biggest sign will be if these symptoms feel different than from previous pregnancies. Even if the symptoms go away, you should still report them to your doctor. Also, make sure your doctor does not confuse your symptoms with anxiety, asthma or pneumonia, as most do. It should be noted that a lot of the fatalities were due to misdiagnosis of the condition. If you are really concerned, ask for an echocardiogram or a chest X-ray.
Treatment
The standard treatment is medication, such as amlodipine, hydralazine, digoxin, diuretics or beta blockers. New mothers will not be able to breastfeed as it could make the condition worse. Sometimes medication may not be prescribed and instead the mother will be put on a low sodium diet, fluids will be restricted and moderate exercise will be encouraged.
While it is a scary condition, it is best to be informed so you can be aware of any symptoms and alert your physician early enough.
Be sure to see my other articles:
- Gear to Transport Your Toddler
- Unique Names for Babies
- Organizing Tips for Busy Moms
- Kids and Car Safety
