Purpose of review
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of maternal mortality in the USA. There are many cardiac conditions which pose significant risk to maternal health, and these women should be offered options to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Individualized contraceptive counseling focusing on woman’s desire for future pregnancy, comorbid conditions, and desire for hormone or non-hormonal (contraceptive) options is paramount to avoid adverse or unwanted side effects. The purpose of this review is to give general guidance on prescribing both hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives for providers caring for women with heart disease.
Recent findings
Specific recommendation for the use of either non-hormonal or hormonal contraception requires knowledge of the types of contraceptive options available, cost, failure rates, and contraindications to use. Newer progestin-only options have become available and should be considered first-line therapy for women with cardiovascular disease.
Summary
The physiologic burden of pregnancy on the cardiovascular system can cause significant maternal morbidity and mortality for women with underlying CVD. These women should be offered safe and effective options for birth control, and both cardiology and obstetrical providers alike should possess fundamental knowledge of appropriate options.
were associated with increased maternal mortality. Laws requiring parental involvement of minors were associated with decreased maternal mortality (-3.584 deaths per 100000 live births, 95% CI -6.3,-0.86). CONCLUSION: While there were no differences in maternal or infant mortality by legislative environment, each additional state law restricting abortion was associated with an increase in maternal mortality. Our data inform advocacy efforts regarding which types of reproductive legislation may influence population health.
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