Saint Luke’s Patient Celebrates Daughter’s 11th Birthday After Heart Scare in Pregnancy
“Every year, and every day, is a blessing. I might not have been here with my three kids.” —Beth O'Connor
It’s been more than a decade since Beth O’Connor was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome while pregnant with her daughter, Mary. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to produce a protein that gives connective tissue its elasticity and strength. Aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection are significant risks.
On Dec. 7, 2013, just a few weeks after her Marfan diagnosis and two days before a scheduled caesarean section, Beth collapsed in a Kansas City parking lot. She didn’t know if it was related to her pregnancy or her heart. Beth was rushed to Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City Emergency Department, where an emergency C-section was performed, immediately followed by aortic root and valve replacement.
"They were tremendous,” Beth said. “The maternal-fetal team was aware enough to know that I wasn't in the right spot and got me to where I needed to be. Everyone took the steps necessary to keep me alive, and to keep Mary alive. I don't think we could've asked for anything better."
Beth’s experience was a pivotal moment for both Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute and Saint Luke's Hospital Maternal-Fetal Medicine Program.
"Women with underlying heart conditions, like Beth, face increased risk of complicated pregnancies," said Laura Schmidt, MD, cardiologist at the Heart Institute. "We realized the need for more coordinated care between these patients’ cardiology and high-risk prenatal care teams."
Soon after, Saint Luke’s Heart Conditions in Pregnancy began using a collaborative approach to caring for high-risk pregnancies associated with various heart conditions. Now celebrating its 10th year, the program is a shining example of synergy across clinical teams to deliver successful outcomes for mothers and their children.
"It's that coordination of care and communication that has improved our outcomes,” she said. "We have decreased ICU deliveries and NICU admissions among our cardiology and OB-GYN patients. We’ve seen better outcomes across the board."
Beth is continuously monitored by her medical team, but says she is grateful for 11 years of no health issues. Her daughter Mary just celebrated her 11th birthday, and her son, Thomas, just celebrated his wedding. Beth is proud to see the Heart Conditions in Pregnancy program benefit other families.
"I think it's fantastic—we didn't know what to expect during my pregnancy. It makes it more of a concern, and so if people can have care and have monitoring and not have an urgent situation like mine, I think that's fabulous, so a family doesn't have that fear or concern."
"We have 10 years of experience in treating patients with high-risk pregnancies," Dr. Schmidt said. "We see patients across the spectrum—pre-conception to pregnancy, and then to delivery, before they return to regular appointments with their cardiologist."
"Every year, and every day, is a blessing," Beth said. "I might not have been here with my three kids."
Dr. Schmidt says mothers and daughters like Beth and Mary can have similar successful outcomes and futures.
"We can help to improve care for both mother and baby," said Dr. Schmidt.
Learn more about how Saint Luke’s Heart Conditions in Pregnancy Program has been helping women like Beth for more than a decade.