MATERNAL AND FOETAL COMPLICATIONS IN PREGNANCY WITH HEART DISEASE

Abstract

Objective

To determine the frequency of maternal and foetal complications and their association with disease severity among pregnant women with heart diseases presenting to a tertiary care hospital.

Methodology

A total of 150 pregnant women aged 18–45 years with echocardiographically confirmed heart disease were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling. Maternal cardiac functional status and type of heart disease were assessed. Maternal and foetal complications were recorded. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test with p≤0.05.

Results

The mean maternal age was 27.8 ± 5.6 years; 89 (59.3%) were multigravida. Valvular heart disease was most common (58.0%). Maternal complications occurred in 34.7% and foetal complications in 41.3% of pregnancies. Advanced NYHA functional class was significantly associated with higher maternal (57.1% vs 25.0%, p=0.0001) and foetal complications (59.5% vs 34.3%, p=0.005).

Conclusion

Heart disease in pregnancy is associated with substantial maternal and foetal morbidity, particularly among women with advanced functional class and valvular lesions. Early diagnosis, functional assessment, and multidisciplinary management are essential to improve pregnancy outcomes in this high-risk population.