Complex Congenital Heart Diseases and Pregnancy: Maternal and Fetal Risks

The diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease has made remarkable progress in recent decades and the success of this approach is evidenced by the increasing number of adults with congenital heart disease. Many of these patients have residual injuries or have undergone palliative surgery and face additional challenges in adulthood, requiring integrated care to reach a full life potential.

Consequently, the number of women of childbearing age with congenital disease submitted to surgical repair, palliative procedure or the natural evolution of the disease is increasing, with a higher maternal and fetal risk in the presence of heart disease. Reproductive counseling is essential, by informing the consequences and possible complications and advising against pregnancy in the presence of more complex defects.

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