Lara Adejoro
Around eight in 1,000 babies are born with something wrong with their heart. This can sometimes be called a cardiac abnormality, congenital heart disease or congenital heart defect.
While most of these babies can survive and grow to adulthood, and may go on to have children themselves, experts say it is one reason why pregnant women must be mindful of their health while the gestation period lasts.
Experts say that if a child has a congenital heart defect, it means that the child was born with a problem in the structure of his or her heart.
“Some congenital heart defects in children are simple and don’t need treatment. Other congenital heart defects in children are more complex and may require several surgeries performed over a period of several years,” experts at Mayo Clinic say.
The experts warn that learning about your child’s congenital heart defect can help you understand the condition and know what you can expect in the coming months and years.
Reacting, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Dr. Omolola Lamina-Alaaya, says what parents do before and during pregnancy can have a significant influence on the child’s heart.
Dr. Lamina-Alaaya says a healthy heart starts in childhood and a bad health habit before and during pregnancy can predispose a child to have cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and heart attacks in their adulthood.
Speaking in an interview with PUNCH HealthWise, the expert said alcohol, drugs like vitamin A, anti-malarial are also known to affect the foundation of the heart.
“Basically, problems in the heart starts even before the child is born. From the first month of pregnancy, usually about three weeks before the mother misses her first period, the heart starts to form and some issues start from that time.
“As much as possible, we encourage mothers to stay away from anything that can affect the formation of the heart.
“So, there is the need to prepare for pregnancy. As soon as the mother notices she is pregnant, she is advised to see her obstetrics &gynaecology doctor for medical check, a detailed history, and monitoring of the mother and the child.
“Alcohol, drugs like vitamin A, and antimalarials are also known to affect the foundation of the heart.
“We encourage pregnant women to stay away from herbal concoctions because they do not know which one will affect the foundation of the heart.
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