Birth Defects Awareness and the Heart

January is recognized as Birth Defects Prevention Month. This awareness month is dedicated to raising public awareness about the causes and prevention of birth defects.

What are Birth Defects?

A birth defect is a structural abnormality that occurs during development in the mother’s womb. These defects can range from minor to severe. They may affect various body parts, such as the heart, brain, or limbs. Birth defects can also lead to developmental or intellectual disabilities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), birth defects affect one in every 33 babies in the US. Various factors, including genetic factors, exposure to certain medications or chemicals during pregnancy, and other environmental factors, can cause this. While not all birth defects can be prevented, some steps can be taken to reduce the risk.

Heart Defects

Of the birth defects, heart defects are the most common type, affecting nearly 1% of all newborns. Some defects are mild and can be easily treated. Others are more severe and require immediate medical attention or surgery.

To prevent congenital heart disease, expectant mothers need to receive proper prenatal care and avoid harmful substances.

What can lead to heart defects?

For Examples:

Lithium, used in bipolar disorder, can lead to Ebstein anomalies, an abnormality in the tricuspid valve. In severe cases will need heart surgery.

Tylenol can lead to early closure of the patent ductus arteriosus prenatally, leading to pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy (thickness of the right heart) postnatally needing Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) care and oxygen.

Ibuprofen leads to early closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), holes in the heart such as ventricular septal defects (VSD), transposition of the great arteries (TGA), Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV)

Certain antibiotics and antidepressants increase risks of holes in the heart, obstructions to blood flow, valve abnormalities, or cardiomyopathy.

Infections such as rubella can lead to PDA, VSD, and pulmonary valve abnormalities.

Diabetes, especially uncontrolled diabetic mothers, increases their child’s risk of cardiac defects. To name a few: TGA, VSD, atrial ventricular septal defect (AVSD), hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), PDA, cardiomyopathy (CM)

Decreasing the Risk of Birth Defects

Overall, it’s essential to understand the different types of birth defects that can affect the heart and prevent them. By receiving proper prenatal care, avoiding harmful substances, and ensuring proper nutrition, we can help reduce the risk of heart defects in newborns.

Here at Concierge Cardiology of Montana, we work with families affected by congenital heart defects and help ensure all babies have the best possible start.

Call to schedule an appointment for your child.