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.