Maternal Heart Care
If you’re a pregnant woman with a heart condition, expect compassionate care from OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute in Peoria. A specialized team will help you improve your and your baby’s health during pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum period.
Heart Health and Pregnancy
Pregnancy makes your heart work harder and causes changes to your blood flow and blood vessels. You may start noticing new symptoms of cardiovascular illness, such as irregular heartbeats or chest pain. You’re more likely to develop cardiac conditions during pregnancy if you were at risk of heart disease before you conceived.
Do I need maternal heart care?
Your doctor may refer you to the cardio-obstetrics team at OSF Cardiovascular Institute in Peoria if you’re a pregnant woman who’s had:
- Aortic disease
- Arrhythmia
- Cancer or history of cancer
- Cardiomyopathy
- Chest pain
- Congenital heart disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart artery dissection (tear)
- High blood pressure
- Preeclampsia
- Unusual results on a heart exam
- Valve disease
Your Care Team
You’ll meet with our program coordinator, an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Your APRN will evaluate your health and recommend you see certain other team members, such as specialists in:
- Electrophysiology (arrhythmia)
- Heart care for patients with cancer
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Maternal-fetal medicine (high-risk pregnancy)
What to Expect
Your cardio-obstetrics team will help you:
- Access tests and treatments
- Make lifestyle changes that improve heart health
- Choose a hospital to deliver your baby (such as OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center Family Birthing Center) with the maternal support you and your baby need
- Determine how to give birth and prepare for a safe delivery
- Take care of your cardiovascular health after your baby is born
Team members meet monthly to discuss your progress and care plan. Your obstetrician (OB doctor) is welcome to join them.
Ask for a Referral
Ask your obstetrician (OB) for a referral to the OSF Cardiovascular Institute cardio-obstetrics team. Need an OB? Browse our directory.