Usefulness of serial brain natriuretic peptide measurements for managing aortic valve stenosis in pregnancy.

Among developed countries, valvular aortic stenosis (AS) in pregnant women is primarily due to a congenitally bicuspid aortic valve, which occurs in approximately 1% of the general adult population. Most asymptomatic patients and those with mild to moderate AS can be managed conservatively to full-term pregnancy. However, those with more severe AS with symptoms require more aggressive treatment.