What causes babies to be born with heart defects?

It is caused by abnormal formation of the heart during growth in the womb. In most cases, when a baby is born with a congenital heart defect, there is no known reason for it. Some types of congenital heart defects can be linked to an abnormality in the number of a baby’s chromosomes.

Can heart defects be prevented?

In many cases, there’s nothing you can do to prevent congenital heart disease. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your baby. Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant before taking any medicines. Ask your doctor what types of chemicals or substances could be harmful to your baby.

Can congenital heart defects be prevented?

Congenital heart disease is often impossible to prevent. Avoiding toxic exposures, such as drinking alcohol during pregnancy, prevents some CHD. Similarly, avoiding certain infections during pregnancy, such as rubella (preventable by immunization), can prevent some CHD.

When do heart defects occur during pregnancy?

A baby’s heart starts to develop at conception. But it is fully formed by 8 weeks into the pregnancy. Congenital heart defects happen in the first 8 weeks of the baby’s development.

How can you tell if your baby has a heart problem?

Signs and symptoms swelling of the legs, tummy or around the eyes. extreme tiredness and fatigue. a blue tinge to the skin or lips (cyanosis) tiredness and rapid breathing when a baby is feeding.

Are babies with heart defects born early?

Congenital heart defects, also known as congenital cardiovascular malformations or CCVMs, are rare. Although they are not found only in premature babies, some heart defects may put a baby at risk for premature birth.

Can ultrasound be wrong about heart defects?

One French study conducted in 2014 reported that 8.8\% of congenital defects picked up by an ultrasound were wholly incorrect (false positive) and that 9.2\% were misclassified. This rate was mirrored in other studies and accounts for why ultrasounds are never used alone when making a diagnosis.