Ask a doctor - Can a ventricular septal defect be prevented?

Q. Can a ventricular septal defect be prevented?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Seconmedic Expert

Ventricular septal defect (VSD), also known as a hole in the heart, is one of the most common congenital heart defects. A VSD occurs when there is an opening between the two lower chambers of the heart known as ventricles. This can allow oxygenated blood to flow from left to right instead of going out to the body through the pulmonary artery and being re-oxygenated in exchange for deoxygenated blood, which then flows back into the left side of your heart. While some forms of VSD can be treated with surgery or medications, many cases are difficult to prevent entirely since they occur during embryonic development and are often due to genetic mutations that cannot be avoided.

That said, there are several steps pregnant women can take to reduce their risk of having a baby born with a VSD:

Eat healthily throughout pregnancy by following dietary guidelines that promote good nutrition for both mother and baby.
Avoid alcohol consumption during pregnancy as it has been linked with an increased risk for congenital heart defects.
Get regular medical check-ups throughout pregnancy so any abnormal signs or symptoms can be detected early on by healthcare professionals – this could result in earlier interventions if necessary which may help prevent further complications from developing.
Keep up-to-date on vaccinations including rubella and flu shots; these protect against diseases that could potentially cause birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.
Take extra care when handling certain household chemicals such as cleaning products or pesticides; exposure to these substances has been associated with an increased risk for congenital malformations including VSDs.
In conclusion, while it may not always be possible to completely prevent a ventricular septal defect from occurring, taking proper precautions before and during pregnancy will greatly reduce your chances of having one – ultimately leading to healthier babies!