Cardiac Obstetrics

Pregnant cardiac patients are provided care by specially trained physicians and nurses to support them through their pregnancy.

The clinic provides the following services:

• Pre-pregnancy assessment and counselling
• Consultation and determination of cardiac risk for women who are pregnant
• Specialized cardiac care for women throughout pregnancy
• Development of individualized cardiac-obstetrical care plans
• Patient and family education and psychosocial support
• Collaborative support from Obstetrics, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Obstetrical Internal Medicine, Genetics and other specialties as needed

Patients must be referred by a primary care physician, midwife, or specialist. Clinics are held every Monday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

What to bring to your visit

• A list of your medications and your BC Care Card
• The names of the doctors, midwives, nurses who are caring for you during your pregnancy
• Questions and concerns that you would like addressed by the team

Disease Information

If you have a heart condition, you may need special care during pregnancy. Here is some information about heart disease and pregnancy.

How Pregnancy Affects the Heart:

Pregnancy puts an additional stress on the heart and circulatory system. In pregnancy, blood volume increases by 30 to 50 percent to nourish the growing baby. The heart rate and amount of blood the heart pumps each minute increases. These changes cause the heart to work harder throughout a pregnancy.

During labour, delivery and following the birth of a baby additional stress can be placed on the heart. In most cases, a safe pregnancy can be accomplished with the care of a team specializing in heart disease and pregnancy.

Risks Associated with Heart Disease and Pregnancy:

Risks will depend on the type and severity of the underlying heart condition.

• Heart rhythm issues
• Heart valve issues
• Heart failure 
• Congenital heart defects

Patient Information

Prior to Pregnancy:

Before you attempt to become pregnant, schedule an appointment with your Cardiologist and the health care provider who'll be handling your pregnancy. Your medical team will evaluate how well you are doing with your heart condition and consider any treatment changes that might be needed before pregnancy begins.

Contact Information

St. Paul’s Hospital
Room 5051, Providence Building
1081 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6
Email: SPHCOB@providencehealth.bc.ca
Phone: 604-806-8933
Fax: 604-602-8643