Women with atrial septal defects are usually able to bear children without difficulty. It is common that ASDs are first diagnosed during pregnancy because of the development of heart murmurs or other symptoms, such as breathlessness during exertion (dyspnea).

It is recommended that ASDs be repaired before pregnancy to avoid possible complications caused by the formation of blood clots (embolisms), which may cause strokes at delivery, or heart failure.

Anyone with congenital heart disease, repaired or non-repaired, should consult with their cardiologist prior to becoming pregnant to review the risks.