Can a ventricular septal defect have a vaginal delivery?

Written by Li Hai Wen

Cardiology

Updated on September 01, 2024

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Atrial septal defect is a relatively common congenital heart disease in adults. Therefore, when women are diagnosed with this condition, they often ask their doctor one question: "Can I give birth naturally?" This question requires a case-by-case analysis. If the atrial septal defect is not severe, does not cause changes in the heart structure, or lead to heart failure, then natural childbirth is definitely possible. However, if the atrial septal defect is severe and causes changes in heart structure, such as pulmonary hypertension or heart failure, then natural childbirth is generally not advisable. It is best to opt for a cesarean section under the guidance of a doctor to alleviate the burden on the pregnant woman and reduce the occurrence of serious incidents.

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Written by Tang Li

Cardiology

1min 13sec

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Symptoms of an infant's room septal defect

Symptoms of ventricular septal defect in infants are as follows: 1. Symptoms: If the mother had intrauterine infections within the first three months of pregnancy, was exposed to significant amounts of radiation, took teratogenic medications, or had metabolic disorders, these factors could contribute to the condition. The patient is prone to recurrent respiratory infections and exhibits symptoms of palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, and excessive sweating. If these symptoms worsen after physical activity or crying and are accompanied by cyanosis, congenital heart disease should be considered. Cyanosis can intensify during severe crying episodes, pneumonia, or heart failure in infants, and may be accompanied by a hoarse voice. 2. Physical signs: Notable findings include a bulging in the precordial area and diffuse apical impulse. A soft, systolic murmur can be heard between the second and third ribs along the left margin of the sternum.

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Written by Tang Li

Cardiology

56sec

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Imaging manifestations of atrial septal defect

The imaging characteristics of ventricular septal defects are as follows: 1. Small defects: Normal cardiac silhouette, or left ventricular hypertrophy, with mild pulmonary congestion. 2. Medium defects: Left ventricular hypertrophy or biventricular hypertrophy, enlarged pulmonary artery segment, smaller aortic knob. 3. Large defects: Both ventricles enlarged, left atrium enlarged, prominent pulmonary artery segment, significant pulmonary congestion. When pulmonary hypertension with right-to-left shunting occurs, the pulmonary artery segment is markedly prominent, but the lung fields are clear, and the heart shadow is smaller than before.

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Written by Tang Li

Cardiology

1min 38sec

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Can someone with an atrial septal defect get pregnant?

Whether patients with atrial septal defects can become pregnant depends on the following factors: 1. Whether the patient normally has symptoms. 2. Whether the echocardiography indicates heart enlargement or pulmonary hypertension. 3. The size of the atrial septal defect. 4. Whether there is a combination of arrhythmias such as atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation, and complications such as pulmonary hypertension or heart failure. For those without symptoms, and where the defect does not cause pulmonary hypertension or right heart enlargement, choosing to become pregnant is possible. Complications are not common in pregnant women with isolated atrial septal defects without pulmonary hypertension. Studies have shown that the incidence of complications in pregnant women, whether the defect is repaired or not, is relatively low. If the patient has related arrhythmias and complications, it should be closely monitored, because the cardiovascular system of the mother undergoes changes during pregnancy, leading to increased cardiac workload and a higher burden on the heart, which in turn can increase the incidence of arrhythmias. For women who are already at high risk of atrial flutter or fibrillation, this risk can increase further. Additionally, pregnant women are in an older physiological state, making it easier to form blood clots, and for those with atrial septal defects, the risk of paradoxical thrombosis increases.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong

Cardiology

59sec

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Can babies with ventricular septal defect sleep on their stomachs?

If the child has an atrial septal defect, it is not recommended for them to sleep on their stomach because this position can increase the burden on the heart, leading to an overload of the heart. This is a type of congenital heart disease. Currently, surgical treatment is primarily recommended, as early surgical intervention can alleviate the symptoms in children. Patients with ventricular septal defects typically display signs of ischemia and hypoxia, which can affect a child’s growth and development. It is advised to periodically re-examine the heart through echocardiography. If the defect is relatively large, early surgical treatment is recommended. It is also important to actively prevent upper respiratory infections, which can be beneficial for the child. In terms of sleeping posture, it is not recommended to sleep on the stomach; the best position is lying on the left side, as this can help alleviate the burden on the child’s heart.

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Written by Li Hai Wen

Cardiology

29sec

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Causes of infant room septal defect

Atrial septal defect is a relatively common congenital heart disease in infants and young children. The causes of atrial septal defects are not very clear, but modern medicine considers that it may be related to the mother having a cold during pregnancy or taking certain medications, or to certain physical and chemical factors during pregnancy. Generally, atrial septal defects are not inherited and are not largely related to genetics.