The experience of pregnancy for women with congenital heart disease: a qualitative study of women in Sweden

Despite concerns, the women in this study reported feeling confident during pregnancy. They needed support throughout their pregnancy to manage the many worries and fear they experienced, both for themselves and for their unborn child. They found it somewhat difficult to interpret symptoms, but with the establishment of regular follow-up, the need for acute and unplanned interventions might decrease since the women could recognize symptoms connected to their CHD and report them earlier. The availability of a multidisciplinary team to provide support to this patient group is therefore of utmost importance.