How Do You Diagnose Congenital Heart Defects?
Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defects, affecting 25,000 American babies annually. Sadly, congenital heart defects are the number one birth defect resulting in death of children under one year old. Therefore, it is imperative that congenital heart defects be diagnosed early and accurately. While a pediatric cardiologist is the professional most qualified to diagnose congenital heart defects, there are warning signs you can look for as a parent. Look for a bluish skin color surrounding your baby’s mouth, as well as your baby’s lips and tongue. Listen to your baby’s breathing pattern. Babies with congenital heart defects often have an increased rate of breathing. They may also have difficulty breathing. Observe your baby’s appetite and eating patterns. A baby with a congenital heart defect may have a suppressed appetite and difficulty eating. Difficulty eating may be accompanied by a change in skin color surrounding the mouth and sweating. Check your baby’s weight reg
