Has anybody had a successful pregnancy that had had open heart surgery or know someone who has?

My friend had open heart surgery when she was 22 and they told her she couldn't have kids because it would put too much starin on her heart. She is 26 now and she wakeboards and surfs and is pretty active. I think she could have kids....but I don't know...anybody been through this?

If she did not require surgery until she was 22 the implication is that the condition was not life threatening in which case her surgery should not influence a future pregnancy and this notion is supported by her level of physical activity. Physicians often say things that they did not mean or later regret - I certainly have and I readily admit it - so in this case I suspect that the physicians over stated the situation. I suppose the question is does she want children? and if she does I suspect that she will do just fine. Some heart conditions are congenital (inherited) which is not likely the case given her age of surgery but genetic counseling may be appropriate. Surfs up.

She should be just fine.

Coach