Will rheumatic fever affect my child's ability to have children in the future?
Rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease does not mean that someone won't be able to get pregnant or have a healthy baby. It just may need more planning. 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 that pregnant people continue their bicillin injections, which are safe to have during pregnancy.
For people who have had surgery for their rheumatic heart disease and are taking warfarin, it's especially important to talk to the doctor (rheumatic fever specialist or GP) before becoming pregnant. If someone becomes pregnant while taking warfarin, they should contact their doctor immediately to plan how to keep the baby healthy.
Warfarin Guide For Rheumatic Heart Disease
Other parts of the journey
The rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease journey introduction
Taking care of my child's health after a diagnosis of rheumatic fever
A young person's rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease journey in pictures
What is rheumatic heart disease?
How will my child's rheumatic fever be managed?
What other ways can I look after my child's health after rheumatic fever?
When can my child return to doing the things they enjoy after rheumatic fever?
Will my child need regular medical check-ups after rheumatic fever?
Looking after my child's mouth and gums after rheumatic fever
Will rheumatic fever affect my child's ability to have children in the future? (You are here)
Acknowledgements
This information is adapted from the rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease booklet produced by the Rheumatic Fever Project Team, Te Whatu Ora - Counties Manukau, 2022.
References
Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease booklet (PDF, 9.94 MB). Te Whatu Ora - Counties Manukau, 2022.
