The risk of subsequent heart failure during a pregnancy following one that resulted in peripartum cardiomyopathy depends predominantly on whether the left ventricular systolic function normalized or remained depressed. In general, the data to answer this question is limited.

If the left ventricular systolic function returned to normal after the prior pregnancy, then the risk is low (one case series reported about 21% developed symptomatic heart failure).

If the left ventricular systolic function did not return to normal after the prior pregnancy, then the mortality rate was 19% in one small case series, with a large majority developing heart failure symptoms.

The current recommendation is to avoid pregnancy if the left ventricular systolic function remains depressed; however, it is safe to attempt future pregnancies if the systolic function returned to normal.