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  • male
  • 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

Dr. Ranjith Suggests...

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.

Recommended next steps

Consult a Paediatric Cardiologist

Answered 20/08/2025

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My baby is just 5 days old and the doctors found a 4mm VSD. I'm really worried and I need to know if it'll heal on its own or if surgery is necessary. Can you please help me understand what we should do?

In infants, small ventricular septal defects (VSD) like the 4mm VSD detected in your baby can often close on their own without the need for surgery. Regular monitoring by a pediatrician is important to track the size of the defect and ensure proper management. In some cases, medication such as Lasix may be prescribed to manage symptoms. However, if the VSD does not close on its own and causes significant symptoms or complications, surgical intervention may be considered. It is important to follow up with your pediatrician for further evaluation and management

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My baby is just over 2 months old and he has a 6.5 mm mid muscular vsd with left to right gradient of 10 mmHg. I'm really worried because he's not gaining weight, he only weighs 3.3 kg right now and he was 2.200 gms at birth. His breathing seems really fast and during feedings, he takes lots of breaks. What should I do?

Based on the symptoms you described, your baby may benefit from medication to help with the symptoms of congestive heart failure and to support his heart function. One commonly used medication for this condition is Furosemide. The typical dosage for infants with congestive heart failure is 1-2 mgkg per dose, given 1-2 times per day. However, the exact dosage and frequency should be determined by your pediatrician based on your baby's specific needs. Additionally, your baby may also benefit from medication to help with weight gain. One option is Mirtazapine, which can stimulate appetite and promote weight gain in infants. The typical starting dose for infants is 15-30 micrograms per day, but this should be adjusted by your pediatrician based on your baby's response. It is important to consult with your pediatrician or a pediatric cardiologist for a thorough evaluation and to discuss the best treatment plan for your baby's specific condition. Regular monitoring and follow-up care are essential in managing congenital heart defects in infants.

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I'm really worried about my baby who's been diagnosed with a hole in the heart. Can you recommend the best doctor for us to visit for a thorough check-up? Also, I've heard that there might be some Ayurvedic treatments available for this condition. Do you have any insights on whether that's a good option to explore?

I'm really sorry to hear about your baby's condition. For a hole in the heart (which could be a congenital heart defect), it's best to consult a pediatric cardiologist for a thorough evaluation and treatment options. While Ayurvedic treatments may help with overall health, they are not a substitute for medical intervention in such cases.

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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.