Planning a family: women with heart defects are particularly concerned

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Almost every couple wants to have a child at some point. Women with congenital heart defects worry more than most and have particular concerns when it comes to planning a family. A study by the German Competence Network for Congenital Heart Defects has looked into what those concerns are.

540 women responded to a questionnaire on all aspects of sexuality and family planning. More than 50 per cent of the participants in the study worried that they could pass on their heart defect to their child, whilst one third of those questioned were scared of getting pregnant because of their heart defect. One woman in five is worried that her heart defect will prevent her from seeing her child grow up, and 12 per cent stated that they did not feel physically able to raise a child.  

A heart defect is normally no barrier to starting a family. However, the worries of young women with congenital heart defects should be taken seriously, according to the researchers from the Competence Network. A thorough discussion with the cardiologist can clear up many questions, smooth the path to counselling, and take away women’s fears.