Congenital cardiac disease and pregnancy.

Advances in the detection and treatment of congenital heart disease has made it possible for children born with congenital heart disease to reach adulthood. Pregnancy often is feasible in the woman born with congenital heart disease; however, the type of lesion, surgical repair, and residual hemodynamic state will determine the success of the pregnancy. Knowledge of the specific congenital lesion and type of surgical repair helps the physicians caring for these women to assess them prior to pregnancy to be able to anticipate and treat complications that may occur in the settling of their chronic disease.