Unborn baby with heart defects

Ijmiller

I am 39 weeks pregnant and have just discovered that my baby has a coarctation of the Aorta as well as an Atrial Septal defect. Our world has been turned upside down and now we are just waiting for the birth to determine the severity of the defects. Has anybody else gone through this? Were you able to have a vaginal delivery? What was the surgery and recovery like? Any long term effects? And lastly, any advice on how to survive this future roller coaster ahead of us? Any advice, prayers and good vibes are greatly appreciated. Thank you.

christinahale

My friends son was born with TGA a different heart condition. They didnt know until after he was born. He has open heart surgery at 1 week old. He is totally happy and normal today. I dont know much about your babies condition but I think you are lucky to know ahead of time. Best of luck. Do your research.

JaneW2

My cousin recently had a baby with serious heart defects. (hypoplastic left heart syndrome).  He's doing well now, but he had a bunch of surgeries.  She delivered vaginally, but was induced in a specialty hospital with a neonatal heart surgery program, so he could get treatment immediately.

Probably the most important thing you need to do right now is to figure out where you are delivering.  If you were planning to deliver in a regular neighborhood hospital, you might want to change that plan.  Talk to your own obstetrician, find the best hospital and best neonatal surgeon in your region, even if you have to travel a substantial distance.  If you're already at a top hospital, great!

Ijmiller

Thank you for the advice. I'm scheduled for an induction tomorrow to hopefully have a natural birth for baby to go to the BC children's NICU. The future is so unknown right now. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.