Pregnancy after cardiac transplantation: principles of nursing care.

The number of cardiac transplants for chronic end-stage disease, congenital heart disease, and primary pulmonary hypertension has increased during the past 20 years. Decreased symptoms, decreased incidence of rejection, and greater tolerance of medical regimens have improved the quality of life for heart transplant recipients. Women of childbearing age who have undergone cardiac transplantation may now consider pregnancy. The principles of nursing care for pregnant women who have undergone heart transplantation are presented in this article. A case report of pregnancy after cardiac transplantation is included.