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Congenital heart disease (CHD) refers to conditions present at birth that affect the structure or function of the heart and can influence a child’s health over time. CHD is the most common form of birth defect. Congenital heart defects affect about 40,000 babies each year. Talk to your doctor early about your baby’s risk for a congenital heart defect and how you can monitor it during your pregnancy.

Questions to ask your OB-GYN doctor about CHD if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant:

• What are the risk factors for congenital heart disease?
  The risk of having a baby with CHD depends on factors including:
  • Your family history
  • Genetic conditions
  • Certain infections during pregnancy
  • Some medications
  • Smoking, alcohol or substance exposure
  • Maternal health conditions such as diabetes
  Also, CHD may occur even when there aren’t any risk factors.

• Are there ways to check for CHD while I am still pregnant?
  During the mid-pregnancy anatomy ultrasound, usually performed around 18–22 weeks, a doctor may be able to identify some heart problems. In some cases, a fetal echocardiogram may be recommended for a more detailed evaluation.
  
  
• How can I support my baby’s heart health during my pregnancy?
  Taking care of your heart helps your baby. Heart-healthy habits include:
  • Eating a nutritious diet
  • Staying active
  • Managing blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels
  • Not smoking or vaping
  • Attending regular prenatal visits
  • Taking medications only as directed
• After my baby is born, what tests are done to check their heart health?
  Pulse oximetry screening helps identify some forms of critical CHD in newborns. A pulse oximeter (a small sensor) is placed on the baby’s skin to measure oxygen levels in the baby’s blood. The test is painless and takes only a few minutes.
  
  
• Should I see a genetic counselor or specialist?
  Some families may benefit from genetic counseling or additional testing, especially if there is a family history of CHD or concerns found during pregnancy.

View: Pregnancy and CHD Questions You Could Ask Your Doctor (PDF)