Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Cyanotic heart defect primary prevention
Introduction
Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Keri Shafer, M.D. [2], Atif Mohammad, M.D.
Overview
Overview
Primary Prevention
Primary Prevention
Women who are pregnant should get good prenatal care.
- Avoid using alcohol and drugs during pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor that you are pregnant before taking any prescribed medications.
- Get a blood test early in the pregnancy to see if you are immune to rubella. If you are not immune, you must avoid any exposure to rubella and should get immunized right after delivery.
- Pregnant women with diabetes should try to get good control over their blood sugar levels.
Some inherited factors may play a role in congenital heart disease. Many family members may be affected.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]