Pregnancy and Marfan Syndrome

Pregnancy and Marfan Syndrome

Pregnancy places unique demands on the mother's cardiovascular system. In the case of women with Marfan syndrome, pregnancy and the subsequent delivery place further stress on the already compromised cardiovascular system, especially the weak aorta. Therefore, pregnancy isn't advised for women with Marfan syndrome who have an affected aorta.

Women with Marfan syndrome who would like further information regarding pregnancy are encouraged to contact the Heart Disease and Pregnancy Program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

The purpose of the Heart Disease and Pregnancy Program is to provide specialized care for the pregnant woman with heart disease. The goal is a successful outcome for both mother and baby. 

In most cases, Marfan syndrome is inherited. The pattern is called autosomal dominant, meaning it occurs equally in men and women and can be inherited from just one parent with Marfan syndrome. Women with Marfan syndrome may want to consider the 50 percent possibility of passing on the gene that causes Marfan syndrome to their unborn child.