Fetal Cardiology Program - Children's Hospital Boston

300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 355-6000

Clinical Services (Fetal Cardiology Program):

Preparing for Delivery

If your baby is diagnosed with a heart defect, the fetal cardiology staff at Children's Hospital Boston will develop an individualized plan of care for before and after delivery.

The program's staff understands the needs of anxious families and is dedicated to making the transition from pregnancy to birth to postnatal surgery (if necessary) as smooth as possible.

What happens when my baby is diagnosed with a heart defect?

After the fetal echocardiogram is completed and the diagnosis is confirmed, our staff of specialists will sit down with you to discuss your baby's heart defect, explain the treatment options and the long-term implications. Depending on the condition, your child may require specialized care after birth. In some cases, your baby may be a candidate for surgery before birth.

It is estimated that 40 percent of babies with a cardiovascular defect will also have other major or minor non-cardiac problems. If your baby has been diagnosed with a heart defect, we will connect you with other specialists within Children's to ensure that your baby receives the best possible care for all of their medical needs.

Where will the delivery take place?

If your baby needs specialized cardiac care soon after birth, we recommend delivery at one of our nearby obstetric hospitals. Delivery can take place at Brigham and Women's Hospital or at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, both of which are located adjacent to Children's in Boston. Delivering your baby at these hospitals allows for a smooth and timely transfer of your baby to Children's if specialized treatment is needed immediately after birth.

Will I have to give birth by caesarean section?

For most types of fetal heart defects, the mother can give birth naturally. In rare instances the fetus may need to be electively delivered by caesarian section.



	The information on this website should not be taken as medical advice, which can only be given to you by your personal health care professional.

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