Rheumatic fever (RF) is a potentially serious inflammatory condition that can develop as a complication of untreated strep throat, which is caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus.
It’s
RF can lead to serious complications if not properly treated.
It’s crucial for pregnant people who previously had or currently have RF to receive comprehensive prenatal care and close monitoring by healthcare professionals to manage potential complications and ensure the best possible outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
Complications can include:
- Rheumatic heart disease: RF can lead to rheumatic heart disease by damaging heart valves and leading to
conditions like mitral valve stenosis or mitral regurgitation. These heart issues can worsen during pregnancy due to the increased demands on the heart. - Heart failure: The strain on the heart caused by rheumatic heart disease can
increase the risk of heart failureduring pregnancy. - Infective endocarditis: People with damaged heart valves are at a higher
risk of infective endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s inner lining, which can be dangerous during pregnancy. - Worsening symptoms: Pregnancy can put additional stress on the body, potentially worsening symptoms of rheumatic fever and complicating the management of the condition.
- Pregnancy and delivery issues: These include premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth.
Treatment of RF during pregnancy includes medications, monitoring, bed rest, and specialized care to ensure the well-being of both the pregnant person and the developing fetus. This includes:
- antibiotics to treat active streptococcal infections and prevent recurrent episodes of RV
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and ease joint pain or fever
- corticosteroids to manage inflammation and prevent complications in severe cases with heart involvement
- medications to manage heart complications, such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and anticoagulants
- frequent monitoring of your cardiac health, fetal development, and overall well-being throughout your pregnancy
- bed rest to reduce strain on your heart, in some cases
- lifestyle modifications, such as eating a balanced diet, staying physically active within recommended limits, and reducing stress
You may be referred to specialists like a high-risk obstetrician and a cardiologist.
It’s crucial to work closely with your healthcare team to ensure proper treatment and minimize risks if you have or have had RF and are pregnant.