Who is at risk?

Every pregnancy has a very small risk of congenital heart disease.  There is usually no known cause, so it is important for all women to have the opportunity of a screening scan.

If you have a family history of congenital heart disease, the risk of having a baby with heart disease is slightly increased.

Age is also a factor, especially for women, as this increases the risk of abnormal chromosomes (known as aneuploidy).

Do you have a family history of congenital heart disease?

If you or your partner have congenital heart disease (CHD) or have relatives with CHD, or have had a baby with CHD, then you have a family history of congenital heart disease.

The risk of having a baby with a heart condition is about 1%.

If there is a family history the risk may be about 3%.

This risk can rise to 10% if more than one relative or parent is affected.

When planning a pregnancy, inform your GP and doctor that you have a family history of congenital heart disease, so that you can receive pre-conception genetic counselling if appropriate and take appropriate nutrition (e.g. folic acid, which is recommended for all mothers to be).

Tell any relatives about your family history, especially if they are planning a pregnancy, so that they can also speak to their GP and doctor to see if they have a slightly increased risk.