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Congenital Heart Defects - What Increases Your Risk

What Increases Your Risk

In most cases, the cause of a congenital heart defect is not known. But certain things increase your baby's chances of developing a heart defect.

  • Family history: A child's risk for having a congenital heart defect increases if a brother, sister, or parent has one.
  • Other genetic conditions: For example, Down syndrome has been linked to congenital heart defects.1
  • Premature birth: Babies born too early have a higher chance of having a congenital heart defect.
  • Chronic conditions: Babies born to women with diabetes or phenylketonuria have a higher chance of having a congenital heart defect.

Women who plan to become pregnant and women who are pregnant can lower their risk of having a baby with a congenital heart defect by taking steps to have a healthy pregnancy.

Last Updated: 10/25/2007

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