Heart health in pregnancy

Chest pain in pregnancy and/or afer your baby’s birth should never be ignored. Some chest pain can be serious and can lead to a heart attack, heart failure, cardiac arrest or even death. Most women do not suffer from these conditions during or after pregnancy but it is important to recognise the symptoms and, if you have any of them, to seek treatment quickly.

Pre-existing heart conditions

If you have a known heart condition, were born with a congenital heart defect or have been diagnosed with heart disease, you should tell your midwife/GP/cardiologist and they will monitor your heart health before, during and after pregnancy and your health.

Symptoms of health attack can include:

• Central chest pain
• Arm pain or numbness
• Pain in the jaw, back or shoulders
• Nausea
• Sweating/clamminess
• Breathing difficulties

Some people experience indigestion-like chest or throat pain that does not respond to indigestion remedies.

When should I contact the midwife or doctor?

If you feel unwell, contact your midwife or GP for guidance. If you experience some/all of the above symptoms, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance as your heart health needs to be investigated quickly. An ECG monitor and a troponin blood test should be carried out to find out if you have had a heart attack.

When am I more likely to have a heart attack?

You are more likely to have a heart attack if you:

• have a family history of heart problems
• have high blood pressure
• have high cholesterol
• smoke
• drink excessively
• are obese

Rarely, women with no risk factors or history of heart disease in their family will experience heart attack symptoms. Heart attack symptoms in pregnancy should never be ignored. Contact your midwife or GP for further advice.