Cardio-Obstetrics

What is cardio-obstetrics?

Pregnancy is usually a joyful journey, but it's also a time to be mindful of health risks that could affect both parent and baby.

At Main Line Health, we understand the importance of specialized cardio-obstetrics care for individuals with existing heart conditions or those who develop cardiovascular issues during pregnancy. Pregnancy places extra demands on the heart, which can increase risks for those with heart conditions.

Our cardio-obstetrics program provides expert care for people who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and have heart conditions, or who develop heart-related issues during pregnancy or after giving birth.

This care begins before pregnancy, continues throughout, and extends into the critical "fourth trimester" — the first 12 weeks after delivery — to support the health of both parent and baby. Beyond the postpartum period, we focus on lifelong heart health to reduce future risks and help you thrive.

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What we treat

Pregnancy brings significant changes to the body, including increased blood volume, hormonal shifts and changes in blood pressure, which can raise the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Cardio-obstetrics focuses on identifying and managing these risks to protect the health of both parent and baby. This specialized care is designed for individuals with:

  • Pre-existing heart conditions such as congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease or aortic disease.
  • Pregnancy-related complications like preeclampsia and hypertensive disorders.
  • Cardiovascular health needs during and after pregnancy, ensuring proper assessment and management to reduce risks and promote long-term well-being.

Conditions

What to expect at your appointment

  • You will meet with a cardio-obstetrics provider who will gather your medical history and ask you questions about your health background, review your test results, conduct a physical exam and discuss your health status. Based on this, your care team will provide an evaluation and a personalized care plan.
  • Depending on your condition and medical history, you may need further testing, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram (echo), blood tests, ultrasound, exercise stress test, arrhythmia monitoring or other assessments.
  • You will meet with both a cardiologist and an obstetrician/gynecologist, who will review your medical information and test results, conduct a physical exam and discuss your health status. You will also consult with a genetic specialist and a nutritionist. Based on this, your care team will provide an evaluation and a personalized care plan.
  • If you require additional consultations with other members of the cardio-obstetrics team, these appointments will be arranged either before your visit or on the same day.

Follow-up care

Your care team will inform you of the recommended follow-up schedule based on your evaluation and treatment plan. In addition to in-person visits, telephone follow-ups may also be available.

Related specialties

Maternity (Obstetrics)

Our board-certified gynecologists are dedicated to serving you at every stage of your life, from adolescence to menopause and beyond. Whether you need treatment for common gynecological issues or advanced therapies and surgical expertise, we're here to provide comprehensive care and support.

Heart and Vascular Care

The cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons at Main Line Health work together to improve the detection and prevention of heart disease with the latest treatment options.

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