Having a baby means a lot of changes in your body — but what happens when typical pregnancy symptoms don’t feel quite right? When concerns arise, it’s important to have providers who listen. Hypertensive conditions are some of the most common causes of high-risk pregnancies and require proper management to avoid serious complications.
That’s where Temple Health’s Cardio-Obstetrics Program comes in, offering specialized care for pregnant people with conditions that start in the heart.
We spoke with Dr. Deborah Crabbe, a cardiologist, and Dr. Laura Hart, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, who co-direct this program, to understand how it supports moms — and their babies — in having the best outcomes possible.
Q: What makes the Cardio-Obstetrics Program at Temple Health stand out?
Dr. Crabbe: Our program is unique because it brings together specialists from cardiology and maternal-fetal medicine into one room. We have experts in various areas like heart rhythm disorders, pulmonary hypertension, and general cardiology. This collaboration allows us to address every aspect of a patient’s heart health during pregnancy.
Dr. Hart: Exactly. It’s not just about having specialists available; it’s about seamless communication between our team members. Our cardiologists, obstetricians, and even emergency room physicians work closely to ensure that no symptoms are overlooked. This constant collaboration helps us provide comprehensive care for pregnant people with pre-existing heart conditions or those who develop issues like hypertension or heart failure during pregnancy.
Q: Why is early intervention so crucial for heart conditions during pregnancy?
Dr. Crabbe: Heart issues during pregnancy are more common than many realize. Conditions like hypertension and preeclampsia can lead to long-term health problems, including heart failure, if not managed properly. By involving our team early on, we can monitor conditions right from the beginning and adjust treatment as needed. This approach greatly improves the chances of a smooth pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Q: What kind of care does the program provide after the baby is born?
Dr. Hart: Postpartum care, or what we call the “fourth trimester,” is incredibly important, especially for pregnant people with cardiac conditions. Many issues, like preeclampsia, can develop or worsen after delivery, so we keep a close watch through follow-up visits, remote monitoring, and additional tests like echocardiograms. Our team educates patients on the warning signs to look out for, ensuring they know when to seek help. The program also focuses on providing age-appropriate cardiovascular prevention strategies after delivery as this is key to preventing long-term complications.
Q: How is Temple Health making a larger impact on maternal health in Philadelphia?
Dr. Hart: Philadelphia’s maternal health outcomes are worse than the national average, so programs like ours are essential. By focusing on early intervention and education, we not only improve care for our patients but also raise awareness among the wider community.
Dr. Crabbe: We are also active in clinical research that looks to improve treatment options for conditions that affect pregnant women, like the REBIRTH trial that looks to find treatments for peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). PPCM disproportionately affects Black women, and preeclampsia, and chronic hypertension are key risk factors for their development.
About Temple Women and Families Hospital: Set to open in early 2025, this will be the region’s only hospital dedicated to women and babies. The location is already offering a range of services to better support the health of women and children in Philadelphia, from OB/GYN and family medicine to pediatric care. With state-of-the-art facilities and specialized programs, Temple Health is committed to improving outcomes for mothers, babies, and families across the city.
