One of the big questions is whether it’s safe to have a baby after suffering a SCAD Heart Attack. If you have had an episode of SCAD, it is recommended that you avoid pregnancy altogether and use a non-hormonal form of birth control, such as an intrauterine device. Some heart medications can harm an unborn child and some SCAD complications can significantly increase a mother’s risk of carrying a baby to term.

There are some women who have gone on to have a baby after their SCAD heart attack with a recommended ceasarean to reduce physical straining but as only 6 or 7 women have had a post-SCAD pregnancy that we know about, it’s largely unknown. The decision to become pregnant is a serious one and should be made in concert with your cardiologist to assess your cardiac risks, maternal-fetal health specialists to assess a baby’s risk and with a recognition that there is an increased risk for recurrent SCAD with a pregnancy.