Presented By: Suzanne Baird, DNP, RN
August 2018

Cardiac disease is the 4th leading cause of mortality in women and complicates 4% of pregnancies in the U.S. Due to the physiologic changes associated with pregnancy, a woman with cardiac disease has an increased risk of compromise, severe morbidity and mortality during gestation, birth and the postpartum period. In addition, management recommendations for specific cardiac lesions and conditions are outlined.

Objectives:

• Review the physiologic changes associated with pregnancy and the cardiovascular system
• Discuss cardiac disease and associated pregnancy risk
• Outline treatment goals for the management of pregnancy and delivery of women with cardiac disease