Introduction   * USA experiences an increase in cardiovascular diseases.   * Pregnancy affects the cardiovascular system.   * 50% increased heartbeat rate and decrease in blood pressure and up to 4% of pregnancies may have complications (Balci et al., 2014). The USA is one of the leading nations in the number of cardiovascular complications per capita. This, along with being the first place in the world for child and adult obesity, creates a plethora of potential complications during pregnancy. Pregnancy affects a woman’s cardiovascular system, as she now has to supply the blood not only for herself, but also for the baby, which means an increased heartbeat rate and decreased blood pressure for prolonged periods of time (Balci et al., 2014). Such conditions can cause the development of cardiac diseases and potential complications. The purpose of this presentation is to provide the class with theoretical and practical information about the disease, its incidence, and the appropriate nursing process. Causes of the Disease   * Rheumatic heart disease (75% of all cases).   * Congenital heart diseases (10-20% of all cases).   * Other causes (5%) (Balci et al., 2014). The majority of complications during pregnancy are caused by the rheumatic heart disease. It is a condition derived from damage to the heart valves caused by a rheumatic fever. Mitral valve is the one most likely to be affected, though the aortic valve can sometimes cause RHD as well. These make up for roughly 75% of all cardiac complications during pregnancy. Congenital heart diseases are the second most likely causes of RHD (Balci et al., 2014). These include acyanotic and cyanotic complications, based on the location of the shunt. Acyanotic RHD typically includes septal defects and ductus arteriosus, whereas cyanotic RHD is characterized by Fallot’s tetralogy and Eisenmenger’s syndrome. The latter is responsible for roughly 25% of total maternal mortalities (Balci et al., 2014). Nursing Process: Diagnosing the Disease   * Patient’s history (Ruys et al., 2013):       + Rheumatic fever;       + Dyspnea and Nocturnal Dyspnea;       + Hemoptysis and Prophylaxis using long-acting penicillin. The process of assessing the patient for the likelihood of developing a cardiac disease during pregnancy should begin with the analysis of the patient’s history of diseases. If there is evidence of previously-encountered symptoms of heart disease, such as dyspnea, hemoptysis, and rheumatic fever, there is a high chance of developing a rheumatic heart disease or some other anomaly (Ruys et al., 2013). The use of long-acting penicillin is a good indication of a patient having suffered through an episode of rheumatic fever, which is the primary cause of cardiac complications during pregnancy. Nursing Process: Primary Examination   * Heart murmurs and Arrhythmia.   * Central cyanosis.   * Manifestations of left or right-side heart failure (Ruys et al., 2013). During the primary examination, the nurse should listen to the heart rhythm for any abnormalities. Although the heartbeat rate of a pregnant patient should be increased by 30-50%, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, it is necessary to look for sounds that indicate improper heart rhythms. The most common symp