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  • 5 Years
  • 10/05/2022

Are kids born of diabetic mothers at heart risk?

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Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Pregnant women with elevated blood sugar levels may increase the risk of blood vessel dysfunction and congenital heart defects in the child

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Consult a Paediatric Cardiologist

Answered 04/07/2025

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Children born to mothers with diabetes can have an increased risk of certain heart problems, especially if the mother's blood sugar levels were not well controlled during pregnancy. High blood sugar can affect the baby's development, including the heart.

Key points to understand:

  1. Congenital heart defects: Babies of diabetic mothers have a higher chance of being born with heart defects.
  2. Long-term risks: There may be a slightly increased risk of heart issues later in life, but this depends on many factors including lifestyle and genetics.
  3. Importance of control: Good blood sugar control during pregnancy greatly reduces these risks.

If you have concerns, discussing them with a healthcare provider or a specialist in maternal-fetal medicine can provide personalized advice and monitoring to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and child.

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Consult a Paediatric Cardiologist

Answered 20/08/2025

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I'm really worried about my baby girl. She's only 2 months old and was born preterm at 35 weeks. The doctors say she has a 6mm VSD, 3mm ASD, and moderate PDA, all left to right shunt. Her weight is 3.5kg right now. We've spoken to 23 pediatric cardiologists and they all recommend surgery, but were confused about the timing. Some say it should be done immediately, others suggest before she turns 6 months, or when she reaches 1 year and weighs about 10kg. Right now, she seems to be okayshe's gaining weight, feeding well, and has no symptoms related to the VSD. We just want to make the right decision for her. When would be the best time for the surgery?

In the case of your daughter with VSD, ASD, and PDA, the decision for surgical correction depends on various factors such as the size of the defects, the presence of symptoms, and the overall health of the baby. Since your daughter is currently asymptomatic and is gaining weight normally, the timing of the surgery can be a bit more flexible. Considering the moderate size of the defects and the left to right shunt, it is generally recommended to wait until the baby is a bit older and bigger before considering surgery. Most pediatric cardiologists suggest performing the surgery before the baby reaches 1 year of age or weighs around 10kg. This allows for the baby to grow and develop, making the surgery safer and potentially reducing the risk of complications. It is important to continue monitoring your daughter closely for any signs of distress or worsening symptoms. Regular follow-ups with the pediatric cardiologist are crucial to track the progress of the defects and determine the optimal timing for the surgical correction.

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I'm really worried about my 14-month-old baby who has been diagnosed with a hole in the heart. Can you please offer advice or guidance on what steps we should take next? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

The treatment for this condition usually depends on the size and location of the hole. In some cases, the hole may close on its own over time. However, if the hole is large or causing symptoms, medication such as Digoxin and surgery may be required. Please consult with a pediatric cardiologist for a proper evaluation and treatment plan.

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I'm really worried because my one-year-old has a heart murmur. Could you explain what a heart murmur is and if there are specific foods I should be giving my child?

A heart murmur in a one-year-old can be a sound made by turbulent blood flow within the heart, detected during a physical examination. It can be classified as either "innocent," which is harmless and often resolves on its own, or "pathologic," which may indicate underlying heart conditions requiring further evaluation by a pediatric cardiologist. For your baby's diet, it is essential to provide balanced nutrition, including breast milk or formula as the primary source, pureed or soft-cooked fruits and vegetables, whole grains like cereals and oatmeal, proteins such as well-cooked and finely shredded meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, and dairy like whole milk or yogurt if recommended by the pediatrician. Consult with your child's pediatrician for personalized advice and to discuss the heart murmur.

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Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.