Pregnancy and an ICD

Has anyone had a successful pregnancy with an ICD? I am thinking about having another baby and would like some advice... Thank you!

4 Comments

2 healthy babies

by goodoscar - 2007-07-05 01:07:48

Hi there,

I only have a pm but was able to have 2 successful pregnancies. They were not considered high risk. I asked my cardiologist and he said no problem. The obgyns were more concerned with my age at delivery (36 and 38) then anything else! Good luck!

Lisa

Pregnant with ICD

by amybag - 2007-10-03 12:10:08

I am 28 weeks pregnant with twins. I have gone into V-Tach and been shocked 4 times in the last 3 weeks. An EP said the shock deflects to my shoulder and the babies have been fine everytime that we checked them. I am now taking 50 mg of Toprol XL daily, and they turned my pacer back on and changed the settings on my defib to try to pace me out of V-Tach before it delivers another shock. My latest heart condition is pregnancy induced - pregnancy is hard on your heart, with twins it is even harder, and I am already predisposed to heart problems. Even with all of this, my cardiologist does not see any problems with me trying to have a natural birth. They are going to put a magnet over my ICD to deactivate it - but they will be able to activate it quickly if needed by removing the magnet. I am bummed because besides my heart problems I feel great. It took us 8 years to get pregnant (we have adopted two babies) and I really wanted to enjoy my pregnancy. I am now pretty nervous but I am hopeful that the medicine and therapy will work.

2nd Pregnancy with ICD

by Zapgirl - 2010-02-09 01:02:37

Hi there,

I've had my dual chamber ICD for over 12 years now. I have VT, VF, Bradychardia, Mitral Valve Prolapse and Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Pregnancy never seemed like an option, but God had different plans.

I was so very blessed to be able to carry my first son full term and delivered him naturally, with an epidural. They didn't shut my device off during delivery, but monitored me closely. Most people are amazed when I tell them that.

I'm now 20 weeks pregnant with our second son and my doctors' have said that everything looks great!! I am seen by the high risk OB team at Vanderbilt. They have said that everything looked "better than great" with the baby. Also, a little side note...I am also 40 years old!

My meds and dosage are the same as they were when I wasn't pregnant. I haven't received any shocks during pregnancy (praying that continues). If I do, though, I know the baby will be fine and that the device is doing it's job... saving my life and allowing me to live it and help give life to my son!

Check with your doctors to get their opinions, since they will know your history. If they give you the go ahead, then know that it's possible to be pregnant and have an ICD! It's there to help you live your life!!!

Best wishes to you...

CR

3rd pregnancy, first with an ICD

by CUtiger5 - 2017-04-10 21:45:15

I loved reading this old thread tonight knowing I am not alone.  This is my 3rd pregnancy but first with an ICD which was implanted when I was 8 weeks along after surviving cardiac arrest for unknown reasons.  This comment may never be seen since the post is so old but I figured I would try!  I am so very new to this so please disregard my naivety, but could the lead wire possibly puncture through my heart while everything is shifting upwards from the baby growing?  I know it seems silly but I keep having that fear.  Also, any insight to being pregnant with an ICD in general is appreciated!!  I'm also on metoprolol and mexiletine for the pregnancy.  So far so good but I have a ways to go... 

You know you're wired when...

Bad hair days can be blamed on your device shorting out.

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I, too, am feeling tons better since my implant.