There are a combination of factors that can increase the risk of an infant having one or more congenital ("present at birth") heart conditions. Here are some suggestions about them:
- Avoid alcohol and other drugs during pregnancy.
- Be sure to alert any doctors who are likely to prescribe medications of pregnancy. Experts believe that some prescription and over-the-counter medications and street drugs used during pregnancy increase the risk of heart defects.
- Evaluate the immune status for rubella early in the pregnancy. If the mother is not immune, she must avoid any possible exposure to rubella and should be immunized immediately following delivery.
- As a part of pre-natal care, request the doctor to use ultrasound to check for, and follow, any indication of congenital heart disease during the pregnancy. Having the necessary medical specialists present at the birth can make the difference between life and death for some babies.
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