Wanting To Plan To Have A Baby After Rheumatic Fever?

Will rheumatic fever affect my ability to have children in the future?

Pregnancy may just need more planning

Rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease does not mean that you won't be able to get pregnant or have a healthy baby. It just may need more planning.

Keep going to the doctor, nurse or midwife throughout pregnancy

Pregnancy can put stress on the heart, so it's very important to keep going to the doctor, nurse or midwife throughout pregnancy for regular check-ups. It's also important to continue your bicillin injections. They are safe to have during pregnancy.

If you're taking warfarin, talk to your doctor before becoming pregnant

If you have rheumatic heart disease, have had surgery and are taking warfarin, it's especially important to talk to your doctor (rheumatic fever specialist or GP) before becoming pregnant.

If you become pregnant while taking warfarin, contact your doctor immediately to plan how to keep your baby healthy.

See the warfarin guide for rheumatic heart disease to learn more about warfarin.

Other parts of the journey

My rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease journey introduction

Checklist - going home from hospital after my rheumatic fever

Taking care of my health after a diagnosis of rheumatic fever

What exactly is rheumatic fever?

My rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease journey in pictures

What exactly is rheumatic heart disease?

How will my rheumatic fever be managed?

What other ways can I look after my health after rheumatic fever?

When can I return to doing the things I enjoy after rheumatic fever?

Will I need regular medical check-ups after rheumatic fever?

Looking after my mouth and gums after rheumatic fever

Wanting to plan to have a baby after rheumatic fever? (You are here)