He has a heart defect

rachelkaylene

Today we had our big ultrasound where they measured bones and checked growth and all that good stuff. I am 21 weeks pregnant and when the doctors kept coming and going from the room I knew something was wrong. We found out our baby boy has a heart defect. My heart sank and I couldn't help but cry. We aren't sure what the exact diagnosis is as they want us to see a cardiologist and have a fetal echo done to see more but they said something is wrong with his heart. Just wondering if any of you moms have been through anything like this and how you coped. It's all I can think about and not knowing exactly what's wrong is killing me. I'm scared for him and pray that he can get through this.

MamaBish

I'm so sorry you are dealing with this, hopefully it's something they can fix. It's good for them to be prepared to work on him when the time comes. I've heard many success stories about this sort of thing when they caught it early enough to be prepared. Sending my positive thoughts!

ngaines27

I'm so sorry to hear this!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your baby boy!

karaelaine1991

Thoughts and prayers with you and your family! I'm sure your doctors will take care of both of you!

malgosia21s

I'm praying for you and for your baby. Just remember that knowing is what is wrong soon is a good thing. Now doctors can fix a lot of if they are prepared.

Emilywooddesign

I have 2 girlfriends who have both been told that their babies have something wrong with their heart and both babies were born fine. I know it's easier said than done but try not to worry until they know exactly what it is. Hopefully it's not major and stay off google! Thoughts and prayers are with you and babe xo

KonaCoffeeBean

I'm sorry you're going through this. Try not to speculate until you have a clearer picture of what's going on. There are many early and successful interventions available.

finchfeeder80

I'm sorry! Knowing early will definitely help them be prepared for whatever comes next! Good luck with your appointments.

KJKNAJ

I am going through this right now. When is your cardio appt?

Nnalie

Yes, stay off Google. Take the best care of your physical and mental health every day. My little cousin had a doozy of a heart condition and a major operation right after he was born. My aunt and uncle adopted him right before this. 30 yrs later he and his wife have a healthy baby of their own!

CateOfChicago

Praying it's something minor.

rachelkaylene

The doctor is supposed to call me today and let me know her prognosis and then refer me to the cardiologist to get a fetal echo and see what they have to say.
Thank you all for your support. It means the world!

laurendutch

It's so hard not to worry but I wouldn't until you see the cardiologist.

I have friends/family with severe heart conditions and they are all so healthy! Including a friend whose daughter had a heart transplant at 1 years old. She has a beautiful and healthy 6 year old now try not to worry but know that we have some of the best technological advances to deal with any problems.

ksimo6

I'm so sorry you're going through this.  I'll be praying for you and the babe.  Keep us updated on what the cardiologist says.  Hopefully it's a condition that can be managed or rectified with surgery.  Hang in there mama. 

annatta79

That must be so scary! My little brother was born with an atrial septum defect. The wall between the atria of his heart did not close up. To have a minor opening is typical, it closes on its own and is no cause for concern. His was larger and required surgery when he was almost 2. However, he is now a perfectly healthy grown up with no issues. I pray that your baby's issue is something minor or able to be easily fixed.

APago

I just had a fetal echo for my baby yesterday. It was pretty long and detailed. The reason we had one is because I was born with a congenital heart defect and they wanted to rule that out for the baby.

I had corrective surgery at 5 months old and a second surgery to fix a valve about a year ago. I've lived a very normal life, apart from having two open-heart surgeries. I have Tetralogy of Fallot, which in one of the most common CHDs. There is tonnes of research that has gone into researching CHDs. As hard as it may be, try to keep your chin up and stay positive because it's very possible to lead a very normal life with a heart defect.
I'm praying for you and your baby keep us posted.

rachelkaylene

Thank you all so much!! I just got a call and they said its TGA so his two arteries are switched and will need surgery once he is born. I have an appt with the fetal cardiologist to confirm and make a plan but it's good to know something. Now to cope and plan to deal with this.
Thank you all again.

APago

TGA is the 2nd most common heart defect after TOF. I know it might sound odd to say this, but that is good news! The prognosis for TGA is good ! He might be born a little blue but after surgery most kids go on to have a very normal life. I wish you all the best and a happy rest of your pregnancy!

disney815

I'm so sorry for this news. I can't offer any advice due to never being in this situation, but I offer my prayers and thoughts and creepy Internet hugs!

mrskblack11

My sister was born with a heart defect and had to have open heart surgery a few months after birth to put a stent in. She also had open heart surgery at the age of 10 to put in a bigger stent. She is now 22 years old and doing just fine. Doctors thought she would have to have surgery again but the stent has held up.

Hope everything goes well for your little one.

katiebl5

Good luck with everything! We also found our little one has a CHD. Did you know last week was CHD awareness? There are some amazing groups and support networks I have already found. Your doc should help there. I have 4 other kiddos too so finding support for them especially at birth and for the ensuing surgeries and hospital time is key! It has been a trying time, but we have found the care he will need (although significant travel for delivery and surgery is very likely). God bless! I have dealt by limiting myself to 15 mins a day of "research." I also asked my docs what to read so Google didn't freak me out. On the plus side, I get lots of pics of the little guy with echos every 5-6 weeks and then ultrasounds every 4 weeks till 32 weeks and then weekly u/s;).

Frogger5

I'm sorry you're going through this, but it does sound like it's workable! I hope you can stay positive - good luck!