5 Ways to Lower the Risk of Congenital Heart Disease Among Pregnant Women
There are many diseases that affect how the heart works. Congenital heart disease is the term used to address these defects in children. Children with congenital heart disease are born with the issues. While some defects are simple, many children might need treatment and special care to address the disease. Preventing congenital heart disease should start from pregnancy. Highlighted below are the ways pregnant women can lower the risks of these defects.
Control Diabetes
Pregnant women struggling with diabetes have higher chances of giving birth to children with congenital heart defects. If you have diabetes, it is important to keep it under control. This means going for medical checkups and working with specialists during their pregnancy. It is difficult to know the symptoms of congenital heart defects in your child until after birth. However, with the help of your doctor and diabetes specialist, lowering the risks and protecting your child becomes possible.
Keep Away From Organic Solvents
Polish removers, paint thinners, and dry cleaning products are among the organic solvents you should keep away from during pregnancy. Most organic solvents have chemicals and harmful elements that affect an expectant mother and the unborn child. It is crucial to avoid exposure to these organic solvents to lower the risk of your child developing congenital heart defects. It is important to get to your doctor and do research to understand the organic solvents you must avoid.
Always Consult General Practitioners Before Taking Any Medicine
The need to take medicines and supplements might arise during pregnancy. It is, however, important to make informed choices before ingesting anything. Always consult and work with general practitioners or pharmacists before taking any medicine during pregnancy. It is easier to lower the risk of congenital heart defects when you take the right medicine. This applies to both over-the-counter medicine and herbal remedies. Let the general practitioner guide you on the medicine to take to protect your unborn child.
Follow Your Family Medical History Keenly
While there is no direct relationship between family medical history and congenital heart defects, it is still important to check on such factors. If one or more children in your family suffer from simple or chronic congenital heart defects, seeking medical attention early in the pregnancy becomes vital. While this is not a cause of alarm, you can always create congenital heart disease awareness and protect your family. You should also work closely with cardiologists for proper guidance and learn effective prevention measures.
Avoid Drinking Alcohol or Taking Addictive Substances
While it might sound obvious, pregnant women who drink alcohol or take other addictive substances are at the risk of giving birth to children with congenital heart defects. You should also avoid smoking to protect your child. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy exposes your unborn child to the risk of congenital heart defects and other chronic diseases. It is also crucial to handle related medical emergencies during pregnancy by seeking quality medical care to lower the risks of congenital heart defects.
The symptoms of congenital heart defects manifest among children after birth. While some defects might be simple and treatable, the cases can get severe and chronic as children grow. Pregnant women can lower the risk of congenital heart defects in their unborn children by getting information and guidance. The above guide highlights some of the ways expectant mothers lower the risk of these defects and protect their children.
