Final answer:
Pregnant women with mechanical heart valves should switch to low molecular weight heparin as anticoagulation therapy to minimize the risk to the fetus
Step-by-step explanation:
During pregnancy, women with mechanical heart valves may require anticoagulation therapy to prevent blood clots. However, warfarin, the most commonly used anticoagulant, can have harmful effects on the developing fetus. Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women with mechanical heart valves switch to low molecular weight heparins, as these medications are considered safer during pregnancy.