Prevention
Prevention of CHDs may be hard because most of their causes as earlier mentioned are unknown. Some steps one can take, however, to reduce the risk are the parent while pregnant should access quality prenatal care and take their supplements with include multivitamin tablets and folic acid. Do not drink alcohol or smoke, especially while pregnant. Avoid harmful substances, control the blood sugar, get the Rubella vaccine and manage other medical conditions that one may have.
Management of CHD as a pregnant CHD patient
It may be possible to have a successful pregnancy with mild congenital heart disease. A care provider may tell you not to get pregnant if you have a complex congenital heart defect.
Before becoming pregnant, talk to your health care provider about the possible risks and complications. Together you can discuss and plan for any special care needed during pregnancy.
Diagnosis
This involves a thorough history taking and a physical examination. Certain tests will be ordered which may include an Electrocardiogram (ECG), a Chest X-ray, a pulse oximetry, an Echocardiogram and a stress test.
Treatment
With proper diagnosis, CHDs can be treated in childhood. Treatment depends on the severity of the heart condition. Treatment may range from careful monitoring to medications to surgery including having implants, open heart surgery or having a heart transplant, as one ages.