The best time to screen for congenital heart disease includes 22-26 weeks of pregnancy and after the birth of the newborn.
A 4D ultrasound is done around 22-26 weeks of pregnancy to assess the condition of the fetal heart structure, which can usually be seen if there is a problem with the fetal heart structure. However, the presence or absence of congenital heart disease depends mainly on screening for congenital heart disease after birth. Initial screening indicators include a heart murmur and transcutaneous oxygen saturation measurement. If the initial screening is not passed, further screening is done by cardiac ultrasound.
Congenital heart disease is a malformation or defect in the heart of the fetus that occurs during embryonic growth and development and usually requires surgery. The optimal time for treatment of this condition depends largely on the extent of the condition. Children with small, mild heart defects are usually observed to see if they heal on their own or wait until they are older to decide whether to have surgery. In severe cases, children will be operated on around the age of one year.
If a child is suspected of having congenital heart disease, parents or guardians should take the child to a regular hospital as soon as possible to avoid delays.