Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common severe congenital abnormality in the newborn and the cause of over half the deaths from congenital anomalies in childhood. Prenatal diagnosis of CHD, possible as early as 15 weeks of gestation, allows physicians and families the greatest number of therapeutic options, and can improve the postnatal outcome. Despite these compelling reasons for early detection and the widespread use of obstetrical ultrasound, less then 50% of serious heart defects are detected before birth.

Through our educational programs, clinical expertise, and long standing experience with the most complex neonatal and pediatric hearts, The Heart Institute for Children is dedicated to improve the prenatal recognition of cardiac anomalies, and the postnatal surgical outcome for the child with CHD.

Who Is A Perinatal Cardiologist?

A physician:

• Adept in the performance and interpretations of fetal echocardiograms
• Experienced in the management of fetal arrhythmias and heart failure
• Knowledgeable about the natural history and surgical options for complex structural heart defects
• Skilled at non-directive, yet compassionate counseling for families at risk for fetal congenital heart defects
• Leading a multispecialty team providing comprehensive care to the pregnant woman, the fetus, infant, and child.

Who Needs a Perinatal Cardiologist?

Before Conception:
The family with a history of congenital heart disease in a first or second degree relative.

At 15 Weeks:
The fetus at very high risk for congenital heart disease.
• Previous pregnancy with CHD
• Chromosome or extracardiac anomaly

At 18-24 Weeks (ideally) or 18-40 weeks gestation
The fetus at increased risk for heart defects:
• Arrhythmia
• Maternal diabetes or connective tissue disease
• Fetal extracardiac or chromosome anomalies
• A family history of congenital heart disease
• Exposure to known cardiac teratogens
• Suspected cardiac abnormalities on routine obstetrical ultrasound

The fetus at risk for heart failure
• Twin: twin transfusion
• Heart block
• Supraventricular tachycardia