Patient's question:
I have a patent foramen ovale (PFO) and left-to-right shunt at the atrial level. The doctor suggested that I take medication and wait for careful observation, and surgery may be necessary if needed. However, I haven't had surgery yet. I have discussed with my husband and plan to have a second child this year. Could you please tell me if a patent foramen ovale will affect pregnancy?Doctor's answer:
Now you have a congenital atrial septal defect, which is a congenital heart disease. Although this heart disease is relatively mild, if you become pregnant, it poses significant risks to both the fetus and yourself. Especially, you are likely to experience psychological distress during the pregnancy, which could even be life-threatening. Additionally, this condition can affect the blood supply to the fetus. You are not very young, and surgery is entirely possible. You can have children after the surgery as well.