Congenital Heart Disease

Will my child need surgery immediately after birth?

• This depends entirely on the type and severity of the defect. Some critical defects require intervention within the first days of life, while many others are monitored for weeks, months, or even years before treatment is needed, and some minor defects never require surgery at all.

Can congenital heart disease be detected before my baby is born?

• Many, though not all, congenital heart defects can be identified during pregnancy through a fetal echocardiogram, particularly when a routine ultrasound raises a concern or when there is a known risk factor. Identifying a defect before birth allows the care team to plan the safest possible delivery and, if needed, arrange for immediate specialized care.

Will my child be able to live a normal, active life?

• Many children treated for congenital heart disease go on to lead active, full lives, particularly with modern diagnostic and surgical care. The specific outlook depends on the type of defect and how well it responds to treatment, and your child's cardiologist can provide guidance specific to their condition.

Is congenital heart disease something that could happen again in a future pregnancy?

• The recurrence risk depends on the specific defect and whether a genetic cause was identified. Genetic counseling can help estimate individual risk for future pregnancies based on family history and any test results from the affected child.