Cardiac disease is an important cause of maternal mortality and morbidity both in ante partum and post partum period. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is major cause of women with heart disease in developing countries; whereas in developed countries it is the congenital heart disease. The overall incidence of heart disease in pregnancy is around 1%. The aim of this study was to assess clinical features, complications, management, maternal and fetal outcome of pregnant women with rheumatic heart disease. This prospective study was conducted in 50 pregnant females with RHD in Sassoon general hospital, Pune during the period of one and ½ year from Sept 2004 to Dec. 2005. Rheumatic heart disease with isolated mitral stenosis lesion was the commonest acquired lesion in these patients. Congestive cardiac failure and rhythm disturbance were common complications during pregnancy. Preterm deliveries, low birth weight babies, still birth were associated with RHD during pregnancy. However early diagnosis, strict medical vigilance during pregnancy, a team work of obstetrician, physician and cardiologist can improve maternal as well as fetal out come.
