What is the most important aspect of care for a pregnant woman with a history of ventricular septal defect?

In caring for a pregnant woman with a history of ventricular septal defect, ensuring adequate oxygen levels is critical due to the potential impact of the condition on cardiovascular and respiratory function. A ventricular septal defect can lead to altered blood flow in the heart, which may affect how effectively oxygenated blood is circulated throughout the body. During pregnancy, the demands on a woman’s body increase, and any vascular or cardiac issues can exacerbate the risk for both the mother and fetus.

Maintaining optimal oxygen levels is essential not only for the mother’s health but also to support fetal development. Insufficient oxygenation can lead to complications such as fetal growth restriction or preterm labor. Thus, continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation and the provision of supplemental oxygen if necessary becomes a priority in management.

While other aspects of care, such as fluid management or monitoring for infection, are also important, they do not directly address the critical nature of maintaining sufficient oxygen delivery, which is paramount in this particular case. Ensuring adequate oxygenation can help avoid complications that could arise from both the underlying cardiac defect and the increased physiological demands of pregnancy.