Prenatal information

Heart defects are more and more often discovered by ultrasound while the baby is still in the womb. After the initial shock, the questions pile up:

Is the baby at risk during pregnancy?

• How severe is the heart defect?
• What are the treatment possibilities?
• How great is the risk? Or: should the pregnancy be continued to term?
• Is the baby at risk during pregnancy?

  Basically, depending on the heart defect, the baby is not at risk in the womb. In many cases, birth can take place normally.

  With heart defects that require early treatment or that are complicated, immediate ultrasound examination after delivery is advantageous. Delivery close to a neonatal intensive care unit (neonatology) and paediatric cardiac surgery is therefore advisable.

  Optimally, delivery takes place in a hospital where these facilities are available around the clock and under the same roof. This allows management and discussion by all the relevant healthcare professionals without loss of time. Discussions with the parents are also easier and they can be with their baby quickly at any time.