Pregnancy & Family Planning
During your transition journey from child to adult services you may have had conversations about pregnancy, but you may not have taken too much notice as it was so far in the future.
Now you have come to a point in your life when you want to find out if it is safe for you to get pregnant, could your baby be born with CHD and lots of other questions too? Your medical team will want to be involved to ensure your pregnancy is planned to ensure the safety of you and your baby.
There is lots of support from the hospital to plan for a baby, so it is a good idea to discuss this with your medical team to get all the advice you need to make a safe choice.
Other Options
If there is a reason that the medical team suggest that a pregnancy for you would be risky and possibly too risky, some patients will be advised that pregnancy should be avoided due to the complexity of their heart condition. Other options could be considered for example:
- Adoption
- Surrogacy
More information on pregnancy, family planning, adoption and surrogacy can be found below.
Links
NHS – Congenital Heart Disease & Pregnancy
British Heart Foundation - Pregnancy and your heart: why it's important to plan ahead
Explore Youth at Heart
Youth at Heart are a charity committed to young people aged 13-24, and their families, who are living with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) in South West England and South Wales.
We empower, inform and support them to live their best life.
For young people
We are committed to supporting you as you start your Transition Journey aged 13 and leading up to your Transfer from Paediatrics to Adult Services and beyond, until your 25th birthday.
For the whole family
Youth at Heart recognise that congenital heart disease affects the whole family, which is why our Youth Workers are there for families too.
For professionals
Youth at Heart is a charity independent from the NHS that works in partnership with health professionals across the South Wales & South West Congenital Heart Disease Network.
Get involved
Youth at Heart rely on funds being raised through donations, grants, events and activities and for people to get involved to help us carry on our important work.