Recent studies have shown that when women with congenital heart defects work with an experienced team of health care providers, they can have healthy pregnancies.

Women with serious congenital heart defects can usually have successful pregnancies, but they should work closely with their doctors before, during and after pregnancy, according to new recommendations from the American Heart Association.

At one time, women born with complex heart conditions were told they could never have a baby, said Dr Jamil Aboulhosn, a cardiologist and one of the authors of the AHA scientific statement.