heart defect

[Katy_x]

Hi everyone, I’m new to this group as I’m 28 weeks pregnant and it’s been discovered my baby has a heart defect that she’s inherited from me and I never knew I had, its causing her to have mild bradycardia and an abnormal heart rhythm which they think is caused by the heart’s electrical nodes. the genetic testing has shown that she actually inherited this from me and it’s something I’ve been living with all my life but asymptomatically, so In a way I’m totally relieved that it’s somthing that won’t effect her at all or they can definitely treat as it’s a congenital heart condition. Has anyone else had anything like this happen at all? does anyone know if it possible for the effects on her to be worse than me even tho it’s the same gene? I’ll ask all of these questions at my next appointment but I just thought anyone who’s experienced a similar thing may have an answer.

[Hidden]

Hello & Welcome

Congratulations to on expecting your first child such an exciting time

I have not been in your position and so do not have the answers but hopefully someone will

But what I do feel is everything happens for a reason and now you also know you have this condition and if ever needed treatment would be available just like it would and will be if your unborn child ever needed any treatment to

They are fantastic now in what they know and how to treat things you have lived life so far never knowing you had this and hopefully this will also be the same for your baby to

Start making that list so you do not forget everything you want to ask and enjoy your pregnancy it is such a special time

After your next appointment it would be lovely if you had the time to come back and let us know what they had to say and if you ever need to talk you have somewhere to come and hopefully that might help you to x

[Silvertail]

What is your defect so we can share information? I have a patent foramen ovale (PFO) which is a hole between the left and right atria (upper chambers) of the heart and an atrial aneurysm. This hole exists in everyone before birth, but most often closes shortly after being born. PFO is what the hole is called when it fails to close naturally after a baby is born. There is also an atrial septal defect (ASD) which is a birth defect in which there is a hole in the wall (septum) that divides the upper chambers (atria) of the heart. A hole can vary in size and may close on its own or may require surgery. An atrial septal defect is one type of congenital heart defect.My cardiologist says 20% of the population has one and if is often not found until an autopsy. Mine wasn't found until my 70s when a routine echo found it. I hope all goes well with you and your baby.

[NervousWife]

Hi Katy

Congratulations on your pregnancy, how exciting!!

Finding out your baby has a genetic heart condition must have been very shocking. Whilst I can't tell you anything about the condition, as a midwife I can tell you that you and your baby will be monitored very carefully throughout your labour so that they recognise straight away if she is becoming distressed at any point. They will also want to have a paediatrician present at the birth so that they can immediately listen to her heart and give her a really good check to reassure you. The cardiologist will write a plan of care so that if there is any specific intervention that needs doing straight away, everyone who is caring for you both will be aware of it.

Wishing you both the best of luck.