Maternal and fetal outcomes of labour in pregnancies with cardiac disease: a prospective observational study.

Authors

  • Dr. Keerti Shivaputrappa Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESIC Medical College, PGIMSR and Model Hospital, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Author
  • Dr. Swetha K. M Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESIC Medical College, PGIMSR and Model Hospital, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Author
  • Dr. Sonia H Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESIC Medical College, PGIMSR and Model Hospital, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/3psdfm83

Keywords:

cardiac disease in pregnancy, maternal outcome, fetal outcome, rheumatic heart disease, labour

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes of labour among pregnant women with cardiac disease and assess obstetric and cardiac complications during labour and the postpartum period

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted among 50 pregnant women with cardiac disease admitted in labour at a tertiary care hospital in Karnataka, India. Participants underwent clinical, obstetric and cardiovascular assessment, including electrocardiography and two-dimensional echocardiography. Maternal cardiac and obstetric complications, mode of delivery, maternal outcomes and neonatal outcomes were recorded prospectively until discharge.

Results

Most women were aged 21–30 years (44, 88.0%), and 43 (86.0%) were in NYHA functional class I. Rheumatic heart disease was the commonest cardiac lesion (23, 46.0%), followed by congenital heart disease (14, 28.0%); mitral stenosis predominated among rheumatic lesions (19, 82.6%). Cardiac complications occurred in 2 (4.0%) women, comprising congestive cardiac failure and arrhythmia. Vaginal delivery was the commonest mode (24, 48.0%), followed by LSCS (15, 30.0%) and instrumental delivery (11, 22.0%). Preeclampsia (9, 18.0%) and intrauterine growth restriction (7, 14.0%) were the commonest obstetric complications. Maternal outcome was uneventful in 36 (72.0%), while 14 (28.0%) required HDU care. Among 51 newborns, 18 (35.3%) had birth weight <2.5 kg. There were 47 (94.0%) live births and 3 (6.0%) intrauterine deaths. NICU admission occurred in 12 (24.0%) and prematurity in 10 (20.0%) pregnancies.

Conclusion

Outcomes were generally favourable, but cardiac complications and adverse perinatal outcomes occurred, emphasizing risk stratification, individualized delivery planning and multidisciplinary maternal-fetal surveillance.

Recommendations

Early identification and risk stratification of pregnant women with cardiac disease should be emphasized. Individualized delivery planning, close maternal and fetal monitoring during labour and postpartum surveillance are recommended, particularly in high-risk women managed at centres with appropriate cardiac, obstetric, anaesthetic and neonatal facilities.

Author Biographies

  • Dr. Keerti Shivaputrappa, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESIC Medical College, PGIMSR and Model Hospital, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

    Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at ESIC Medical College, PGIMSR and Model Hospital, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru. Her academic interests include obstetric care, high-risk pregnancy, and maternal–fetal outcomes.

  • Dr. Swetha K. M, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESIC Medical College, PGIMSR and Model Hospital, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

    Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at ESIC Medical College, PGIMSR and Model Hospital, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru. Her academic interests include obstetrics, maternal medicine, and management of high-risk pregnancies.

  • Dr. Sonia H, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESIC Medical College, PGIMSR and Model Hospital, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

    Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at ESIC Medical College, PGIMSR and Model Hospital, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru. Her academic interests include obstetric medicine, high-risk pregnancy, and maternal and fetal outcomes.

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Published

2026-05-30

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): May 2026 issue

Section

Original Research Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Keerti Shivaputrappa, Dr. Swetha K. M, Dr. Sonia H (Author)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Shivaputrappa, K., Swetha, M., & H, S. (2026). Maternal and fetal outcomes of labour in pregnancies with cardiac disease: a prospective observational study. SJ Gynecology and Obstetrics Africa, 3(2), 11. https://doi.org/10.51168/3psdfm83

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