---
title: Heart Health and Pregnancy
date: 2020-02-01T03:00:00-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/heart-health-and-pregnancy"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Heart Health and Pregnancy

A heart-healthy pregnancy is possible, even for people with a personal or family history of heart disease.

> Specialized centers exist to take care of individuals with heart disease who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy. These centers often have teams which are made up of physicians across multiple specialities, including cardiology and obstetrics/gynecology, who have an expertise in caring for this patient population.

[Read the full article ](https://www.bidmc.org/about-bidmc/wellness-insights/heart-health/2020/01/ensuring-a-heart-healthy-pregnancy)

SOURCE: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center • LAST UPDATED: February 1, 2020

![cdc-c8fnD1rKGCk](data:image/png;base64,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) CDC/Unsplash

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/heart-health)
- [ pregnancy & postpartum heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/pregnancy-postpartum-heart-health)
- [heart disease](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/heart-disease)
- [pregnancy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/pregnancy)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## Tips on Maintaining Heart Health during Pregnancy

Keeping your heart healthy during and after pregnancy is possible and may be easier than you think.

![Pexels cottonbro two pregnant women scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

Keeping your heart healthy during and after pregnancy is possible and may be easier than you think.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/tips-on-maintaining-heart-health-during-pregnancy)

[ResourcesRead

## Risk Factors that affect Heart Health during Pregnancy

An overview for people with a heart condition on how that might affect pregnancy, what risks exist, and how to prepare.

![Pexels rodnae productions pregnant white woman scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

An overview for people with a heart condition on how that might affect pregnancy, what risks exist, and how to prepare.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/risk-factors-that-affect-heart-health-during-pregnancy)

[ResourcesRead

## Types of Heart Disease that Affect Pregnancy

This article discusses some of the most common heart conditions seen during pregnancy, describes what those conditions mean, and gives recommendations.

![Pexels daniel reche pregnant belly scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article discusses some of the most common heart conditions seen during pregnancy, describes what those conditions mean, and gives recommendations.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/types-of-heart-disease-that-affect-pregnancy)

[ResourcesRead

## Pregnancy Complications and Heart Failure Risk

Complications during pregnancy can lead to cardiovascular risk down the road, including the risk of heart failure.

![pexels-ivan-samkov-pregnant-woman-belly](data:image/png;base64,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)

Complications during pregnancy can lead to cardiovascular risk down the road, including the risk of heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/pregnancy-complications-and-heart-failure-risk)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.

![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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)

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Living with Congestive Heart Failure

TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

![Alexandru-Acea-unsplash](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAACRUlEQVRIiY1WSZIkIQyTCM7Tp/7/T9EcAFsGpmoyMrJpFknecPH3zw8AXm+7ZiD4o/2d77CxoBh3vB7+z6yem2LrWn4Q0AYpv+ILIKEvNMD0BO1sYH14C9meuowmQJoFBDA1fQM9odYZPW1hd8mT84PwB3T4+x8uKzG4s6i5BbTTgva8NgcJiQdHf6InB9HWKkMsAe24SXNSiaLgvSxwmkaeFphYHGY5KDMsSWBhJIHG4iVfivo6hFNQsCdHcRFvRzWAIF85CICaSaHlGBMef/ud02SMyaNMivyi1GJbONo7eyv6/jcEWOpuci0XzCsoa6a98IEiOqwqAU94ZmDMSs6ZhmuNAUdE6eXorDrKx7Y0OZqu4vt2fQGADtWELMEMkx2P2SMXFwTqHnBdP/dBH58WuJDyVUG5t90vouE8FzTvR57qhq0+casz1G8JA5pxHkCDRhSwlutrm5Q1S1UCAXgQaB0jgSFwpQZhqscD/USYJiTBOO+JxcEMcNE+zF1DGEV+dp+uPMnYzQWpti8czyInGEjoYehJMIUPABDjylMizrsMwqyjyqGx5C/0IR3Z1T1JhmWNRPGoXGXmEAOQiq/cSyuxha5dUMcjaHarfZuy5ILSJ+mlkrgrzGnBKOjZv/ZdoyMM1e/+y07hooyBgLY5wqZh/iH2UZ4cte52hHch9OimY98uqb200ogDVz5ciW/ez6dHgkCJqxc6U1ZWNbb84KsE6ip8GYCAjpSlbTCi93eTWtN3nnAUojNdndmPHAP/FfkX2vzAGfoFHPQAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-living-with-congestive-heart-failure)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Interacting with My Cardiologist

TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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)

TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health3)

[ResourcesRead

## Ten Things Every LGBT Older Adult Should Know about Heart Disease

This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.

![pexels-centre-for-ageing-better-11674389](data:image/png;base64,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)

This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/10-things-lgbt-heart-disease)