A fetal cardiac ultrasound at about 20 weeks of pregnancy can determine whether or not the baby's heart is normal. Some maternal medications may affect fetal growth and development and so need to be reviewed with one's doctor before pregnancy. The growth of the baby and its development will be monitored carefully by both the obstetrician and the cardiologist throughout the pregnancy. For high-risk patients, labor and delivery is carefully planned. One is admitted to hospital so that labor may be induced.
Vaginal delivery is appropriate in most cases unless there are contraindications.
Good pain control and a short labor and delivery are important. Special monitoring of both mother and baby is frequently used. Antibiotics are usually given around the time of labor and delivery to help prevent infection. The cardiologist and the obstetrician will work together to ensure a safe delivery. It is important to emphasize that before a woman gets pregnant she should discuss all of these issues with her doctor.