Facing pregnancy with HCM
If your HCM is stable, pregnancy is generally safe. Talk with your doctor before becoming pregnant, if possible, to evaluate your ability to tolerate pregnancy and what risks to consider so you can move forward safely and confidently. This is known as preconception counseling. Your doctor can recommend precautions to take, such as the following:
- Seek out reproductive and genetic counseling — before and during pregnancy
- Coordinate care with your cardiologist and obstetrician
- Consult with an expert in maternal-fetal medicine if you are at high risk
- Take medications to lower the risk of stroke or symptoms related to an arrhythmia
- Deliver vaginally, if possible
- Discuss general or epidural anesthesia during delivery
- Understand the risks that a child might inherit the genetic mutation for HCM
