About U of U Health’s Cardio-Obstetrics Clinic
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of complications during pregnancy. At University of Utah Health, our Cardio-Obstetrics clinic provides coordinated care for people with heart conditions before, during, and after pregnancy. Our goal is to support you throughout your pregnancy and beyond. We provide clear information, careful monitoring, and coordinated care.
We care for patients at every stage:
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Before pregnancy—We’ll help you understand your risks and plan ahead.
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During pregnancy—You’ll get ongoing monitoring and management.
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After delivery—We’ll support recovery and your long-term heart health.
Our team works closely together to make sure you receive the best care possible. Our maternal-fetal medicine specialists are qualified to take care of your cardiac concerns. We are part of an ACHD accredited comprehensive care center and have been recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology since 2019. We’ll make sure your treatment plan reflects both your cardiac and pregnancy needs. With the right care, many people with heart conditions go on to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.
Visit Our Clinic
Our clinic is open in the afternoons on the first, third, and fifth Wednesdays of the month. We are located in Area E of University of Utah Hospital.
Directions
To get to Area E, enter the hospital through the main doors. Walk through the lobby past the help desk and gift shop. When you reach the Starbucks, Area E will be to your right. Our care navigators will help you find the way to the clinic you are looking for.
Valet parking is available for our patients coming to Area E.
Heart Disease and Pregnancy
Pregnancy changes how the heart and circulatory system work. These changes can place strain on your heart or increase your risk of complications. If you have a heart condition or develop one during pregnancy, specialized care can help support your health and your baby’s development.
Types of Heart Conditions We Care For
Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart disease refers to structural heart conditions that are present at birth. In the past, people with congenital heart disease were often told not to become pregnant due to higher risks. With specialized care, many people today can have a safe pregnancy and healthy baby.
Genetic Heart Conditions
Some inherited (genetic) changes cause heart conditions. Pregnancy can make these conditions worse or cause symptoms to appear for the first time.
We work closely with specialists in genetic heart disease to manage your care. We may also discuss whether genetic testing could be helpful for you or your family members
Preexisting Heart Conditions
Some people enter pregnancy with an existing heart condition:
These conditions can increase your risk of complications during pregnancy. They need careful monitoring and management.
Heart Conditions That Develop During Pregnancy
Pregnancy increases blood volume and places additional demands on the heart. In some cases, this can lead to new heart conditions or uncover a condition that was not previously known. For example, you may experience high blood pressure during pregnancy or irregular heart rhythms.
People with conditions such as obesity or diabetes may have a higher risk of developing heart-related complications during pregnancy.
Our Team
Your care team has experience in both heart health and high-risk pregnancy. Depending on your needs, your team may include different specialists:
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Maternal-fetal medicine specialists
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Cardiologists with expertise in pregnancy-related heart conditions
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Nurse pactitioners
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Anesthesiology specialists
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Nurses and care coordinators
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Other specialists as needed
Our clinic is part of the maternal-fetal medicine team. Any member our division can support you with your care.
Our Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists
3 Resulting Health Care Providers
Our Cardiologist
1 Resulting Health Care Providers
Our Services
Every pregnancy and heart condition is different. We create a care plan based on your specific medical history and goals. This can look different for everyone:
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Managing pre-existing heart conditions
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Monitoring for changes during pregnancy
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Planning for labor and delivery
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Providing follow-up care after birth
We also evaluate and treat people who develop heart conditions during pregnancy.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Before Your First Visit
Come prepared for your time with us:
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Bring or send your relevant medical records. This includes past heart testing or procedures.
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Write down your medications and any symptoms you’ve noticed.
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Keep questions or concerns you’d like to discuss in mind.
At Your First Appointment
Try to arrive a few minutes early to your appointment. Extra time allows you to find parking and check in at the front desk on time.
During your visit, you’ll meet with specialists experienced in heart disease. You’ll also meet with a high-risk pregnancy physician.
We’ll review your medical history and talk through your pregnancy goals. You may have testing, such as an echocardiogram or lab work. You will also be asked to complete mental health screening questionnaire.
During Your Pregnancy & Planning for Delivery
You’ll have follow-up visits to monitor your heart and your baby. Your care team will adjust your treatment plan as needed. We will work with you to plan for labor and delivery. This may include recommendations for location, timing, and monitoring during labor.
After Your Baby is Born
Follow-up care is important for your recovery and long-term heart health. We’ll coordinate ongoing care with your cardiology and primary care teams.
Make an Appointment
You need a referral to visit our Cardio-Obstetrics clinic. You can ask your primary care provider, Ob/Gyn, or cardiologist for a referral to our clinic. They can also submit a referral online.