What is peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM)?

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare form of heart failure characterized by reduced ejection fraction, typically occurring late in pregnancy or early postpartum.

What critical medical device helped Casey Gould recover?

A minimally-invasive heart pump called the Impella CP with SmartAssist was crucial for Casey Gould's recovery, allowing her heart to rest and heal.

What are the long-term effects of PPCM for Casey Gould?

Due to the risks of PPCM, Casey Gould cannot have more children and requires ongoing cardiac follow-up and medication.

Home / Health / Mom Codes During Birth, Survives Rare Heart Failure

Mom Codes During Birth, Survives Rare Heart Failure

31 Jan

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Summary

A mother experienced heart failure and coded during childbirth.
She was diagnosed with rare peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM).
A heart pump was crucial for her recovery and healing.

Mom Codes During Birth, Survives Rare Heart Failure

Casey Gould, a 34-year-old from Ohio, experienced a life-threatening medical emergency during childbirth in November 2024. After a prolonged labor, she witnessed a strange 'black fog' before her son's heart rate plummeted, necessitating an emergency C-section. Gould coded post-surgery and was placed on life support.

Doctors diagnosed Gould with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a rare form of heart failure occurring during late pregnancy or early postpartum. Her heart's ejection fraction was critically low at 13 percent, significantly below the normal 50-70 percent range. A minimally-invasive heart pump, the Impella CP, was instrumental in allowing her heart to rest and heal.

Gould remained hospitalized for nine days and has since been fitted with a heart pump. She cannot have more children due to PPCM risks. Despite the trauma, she is raising awareness for the condition on TikTok and undergoing therapy with her husband. Both mother and son are now doing well.