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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

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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.

Recommended next steps

Consult a Paediatric Cardiologist

Answered 20/08/2025

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My son was born in September 2018 and is now 3 years 2 months old. In May 2021, we found out he has an 8mm hole in his heart, and it still hasn't closed as per his September report. We're worried if it will close on its own or if he needs surgery. Could this affect his health or life in the long run? What should we do next?

An 8mm hole in the heart, especially at this age, is unlikely to close spontaneously and may require intervention. While not all holes in the heart need surgery, larger ones like 8mm typically do. This can affect the child's heart health in the long run, potentially leading to complications like heart failure or arrhythmias. The next step is to consult with a cardiologist for a detailed assessment and discuss treatment options, which may include surgery or a catheter procedure.

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My 1-month-old baby boy was diagnosed with a malaligned PM VSD hole measuring 3.5 mm. Is this considered large in medical terms? I'm trying to understand how VSD sizes are classified like small, moderate, large, or very large based on the mm measurement. Also, will my son definitely need open heart surgery, or is there a chance it could close on its own over time? If surgery is necessary, are there any less invasive options than open heart surgery?

A 3.5 mm VSD is usually small and may close on its own. Most small VSDs don’t need surgery. Serial echocardiograms are important to monitor.

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I'm really worried about my newborn baby boy's health. His report mentions a small perimembranous VSD, mild pulmonary stenosis, and a small residual PDA. Can someone explain what these mean? Are these issues something he'll outgrow, or will they need ongoing treatment? I'm looking for more information on how serious these are and what the next steps should be. Would really appreciate some guidance.

Your newborn's report indicates three congenital heart conditions: a small perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD), mild pulmonary stenosis, and a small residual patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). A small VSD is a hole in the heart's septum that can sometimes close on its own but needs monitoring. Mild pulmonary stenosis is a narrowing near the pulmonary valve that restricts blood flow to the lungs and often requires regular follow-up. A small residual PDA is an open vessel that normally closes after birth; it may close on its own or require medical management. The treatment plan will depend on how these conditions affect your child's health, and regular follow-ups with a pediatric cardiologist are essential to monitor and manage them. Discuss these findings with your child's cardiologist to understand the prognosis and specific treatment options.

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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.