Congenital heart defects, CHD, are problems with the baby's heart structure at birth. Sometimes the defects are so severe, they need immediate surgical intervention. The most dangerous defects are found during pregnancy or soon thereafter. Less severe defects may not have any signs and symptoms at birth, but they present much later.
Cyanosis
When blood goes through your baby's heart incorrectly because of a structural defect, a bluish discoloration of the skin, tongue and mucous membranes is caused. Blood must go through your baby's pulmonary artery for him to remain a normal color. Crying can make his cyanosis look worse. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the primary concern in cyanotic lesions is hypoxia or the lack of adequate oxygen through your baby's body.
Fast Breathing
An increased respiratory rate above 60 breaths per minute can be one of the first subtle signs your baby might have a heart defect. You might observe your baby struggling with each breath by seeing him pulling his chest in deeper and deeper.
Feeding Difficulties
Babies with heart defects tire easy when they feed because of the increase stress on the heart. The strenuous workload on your baby's heart makes it difficult for him to easily suck and swallow. He has an overall lack of energy to eat because his heart is working so hard.
Growth Impairment
Normal growth and development in your baby depends on him having a normal workload on his heart, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Heath. Severe defects can put a strain on your baby because oxygen enriched blood is not being pumped out to all his important organs. This strain causes him to gain weight poorly.
Murmor
A heart murmur is an unusual sound heard by your baby's nurse or doctor. Some murmors are benign and other are associated with heart problems. When blood is turbulent in your baby's heart, a murmur can be detected. Your doctor is skilled in listening to your baby's heart and can contact a specialist if further evaluation is needed.
Swollen Eyes, Arms And Legs
Your baby's body attempts to compensate when there is myocardial or heart dysfunction occurring. His body attempts to manage the inadequate supply of blood out to his body by regulating fluid and electrolytes in his body. Water retention can result thereby causing lung and peripheral congestion to occur. Puffy eyes, arms and legs are a sign that something is wrong. You need to consult your doctor when signs and symptoms of fluid overload are seen.
