Prosthetic heart valve thrombosis in pregnancy: a case series on acute management.

Rheumatic heart disease is one of the leading causes of valve dysfunction, resulting in prosthetic valve implantation. Changes in physiology and the haemodynamics of pregnancy increase the susceptibility of thrombosis to the prosthetic valve in the pregnant woman. Valve redo surgery carries a considerable risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Women of reproductive age should be well counselled regarding compliance with anticoagulation, contraception and pre-pregnancy planning.