The most common birth defect among U.S. babies

Pregnancy and birth are incredible experiences, but they can also be overwhelming. You may also feel incredibly scared and isolated if your baby is diagnosed with a medical condition in utero.

Congenital heart disease is the most commonly diagnosed birth defect among U.S. babies, occurring in about 40,000 babies each year. In other words, almost one in every 100 births. Among those diagnosed, 25% will require surgery within their first year of life. Many birth defects are detected in utero during the 20-week anatomy scan. This is a highly detailed ultrasound that helps clinicians learn more about a fetus’ growth and development and allows them to look for multiple health conditions, including heart problems.

There are numerous types of congenital heart disease, each with a different level of significance and severity. Some are relatively minor and others are life threatening right at birth. You will be referred to a maternal fetal medicine physician and pediatric cardiologist for further testing if a heart abnormality is detected during a fetal ultrasound.

The first step is typically a fetal echocardiogram, an ultrasound that looks thoroughly at the heart. You and your baby will be closely monitored for the duration of your pregnancy to make sure everything is normally progressing.

This interdisciplinary team will help you fully understand your baby’s condition and answer any questions you may have. Together, you will create a personalized plan to best prepare for a safe delivery and post-delivery care. If it’s anticipated your child will need surgery within their first few months of life, you will also consult with a pediatric cardiovascular surgeon.

When your baby is born, treatment will depend on the type of congenital heart defect they have. Some babies will have surgery within the first week they are born. Other defects do not require immediate surgery or perhaps any surgery at all. In any case, the care team will monitor the baby’s heart with regular imaging and follow-up appointments as needed. Your child’s primary care physician will partner with you to optimize the baby’s care delivery, cardiac health, and growth and development while normalizing their life as much as possible.

Your child’s care team will support you and your family every step of the way. You are not alone and never will be.

Dr. Andrew Van Bergen is a pediatric cardiologist and the director of the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program at Advocate Children’s Hospital.

Are you trying to find a pediatrician? Find one in Illinois or Wisconsin.