Pacemaker Dependent and Pregnancy?

Hello everyone! I'm a 28 year-old pacemaker dependent woman wondering if anyone here has had any complications from being pacemaker dependent and pregnant? I have the approval from both of my EP Cardiologists, my OB/GYN and my Perionatologist to get pregnant, but my parents are against me having a child because they fear that I will go into CHF. BTW- my husband and I have been married for over 3 years, and I've been pacemaker dependent since the age of 25. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't afraid of being pregnant with my PM, but at the same time, I really want the honor of being a Mommy someday. Any advice would be grately appreciated. Thanks in advance!

8 Comments

Wishing you the best!

by ela-girl - 2007-06-24 09:06:20

Hi, RachelEllice!

While I can't answer your question from personal experience, I can tell you that it sure sounds like you have a lot of good people backing you up. I'm 29 and my husband and I have been married 6 years and hoping to start a family in the upcoming year or so. I am also a teacher and became good friends with a student's mom who is pacemaker dependent. She had no problems with her pregnancy (before, during, after--even breast feeding). Granted all people are different, but it sounds like you have a supportive medical staff giving you the ok. I hope your parents come around in their thinking--I'm sure they just care about you, worry about you, and want the best for you. :)

Happy pacing,
ela-girl

Listen to your doctors....

by auntiesamm - 2007-06-24 10:06:22

Hi Rachel - I cannot address the PM and pregnancy experience but there are others who can and will. My advice is: listen to the doctors and healthcare pros who know your history, etc., and will guide you through a pregnancy when it happens. As a parent I certainly understand your parents concerns and I might have the same reservations they do. As a grandma I will tell you that once that baby is delivered and placed in their arms they will wonder why in the world they ever thought this should not be! There is no greater joy in my life than my grandkids, all 3 now in their twenties but still my "babies". Good luck and God bless you and your husband as you make this huge decision that will forever change your lives.....for the better.
Sharon

2 children while having PM

by sweetkozy - 2007-06-25 05:06:40

Hello,

I had my PM implanted when I was 21. I am 26 yrs old now and have had two children since my PM was implanted. I had no complications being pregnant or while in labor related to my heart. They didn't even set me up on monitors. I did have other complications with preeclampsia, with both pregnancies, but that was not due to heart and did not affect my PM. I had a C-sec with one and reg. birth with the other and had no problems involving the PM. I also had epidurals with both pregnancies too. Everything went well. They, however, did change some of my settings before I went into labor. Good Luck and if you have any questions or concerns please write to me.

Cheers,
Jenny

Thanks for all of the advice!

by RachelEllice - 2007-06-26 02:06:49

I really appreciate all of the advice, especially from Jenny. It is nice to hear that someone with a PM has had two successful pregnancies! It really does give me hope. As for my parents, I realize they are just concerned about me, I was very ill for a long time. I've had 7 lengthy unsuccessful EP studies and Cardiac Catheter Ablations all over the United States. My last surgery (because I was intubated) when I got my pacemaker lasted over 16 hours. I can see why my parents are on the defense, but I also can not live my life for them, and I feel that my husband and I have so much love to give to a child. I am just terrified of the day that I have to tell my Mom I'm pregnant. She'll call me Shelby from Steel Magnolias and probably have a nervous break down...lol...Thanks again for all of the advice and I'd still love to hear from anyone who has had a child with a PM.

good advice

by sweetpacer - 2007-07-24 01:07:03

Hi my name is Saira and I am 22 yrs old and thinking of having a baby with my husband. We have been married almost 3 years now and it has been wonderful. I am just scared that my parents won't approve of it but in my church there are 4 families who have many children and as my clock is ticking I start wanting to have a baby myself because they are such a blessing to have but I am scared at the same time.

Labor and a PM

by bethany09 - 2007-09-27 12:09:38

Hi Ya'll
My husband and I are trying to get pregnant. I spoke with my pm doc before and he said I should not have a problems with the pregnancy. However, I am 99% dependent on my pm, so I will more the likely have to a have a c-section. I have been told that labor might put to much strain on my heart, and the docs don't want to take the risk. They think the pushing will cause my heart to go into overdrive. I figure a long as my child and I come out healthy a c-section is fine by me.

mother and pregnant with PM

by trendy98 - 2007-10-01 11:10:27

I became pregnant 2 weeks after i received a pm for a complete heart block. I delivered a very healthy and happy son by c-section because the doctors agreed that going through labor would be too hard on my heart, as i easily get out of breath. The only problems that i had during pregnancy was that i got tired easier and got out of breath a lot more than normal. The c-section itself went wonderfully and i healed up just fine. I am currently 14 wks pregnant with a second baby and my son is now 10 months old.

Mother of 2

by EverReady - 2007-12-12 01:12:43

Hi,
I wanted to let you know that I have had 2 children while I have had a pacemaker. My daughter was born in 1972 and my son was born in 1977. I did not have any trouble was very healthy throughout the pregnancies, delivery, and labor.
I did have my cardiologist at the delivery both times, but just as a stand by. I was born with a complete heart block and am 100 per cent dependant. I had my first pacemaker in 1967, many replacements since then. (The first ones lasted only 2 years) So this year was my 40th year with pacemakers. Howerver I understand your parents worry, as my healthy daughter had a baby 2 years ago and had problems, nothing related to heart. Everyone is fine now. Parents worry.... Hope this message is reassuring to you and your parents.
Leslie

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