Planning Ahead for Delivery

Each pregnancy and delivery are a unique journey, and your child’s birth is no exception.

Often the birth of a child with CHD takes some extra planning. This may involve changing plans that you have already made for your child’s delivery.

You should know that you are not alone in planning for your baby’s arrival. When your baby is diagnosed with CHD before birth, your care team will work together to come up with a delivery plan that is tailored to meet all the needs of you and your baby.

One of the biggest questions families have during delivery planning is how to find the best place for their child’s birth and surgery (if needed). Your care team will give great consideration to where, how, and when you deliver your baby.

Throughout your CHD care journey, it’s essential that you communicate with your care team. This is a partnership, so you should feel comfortable telling them how you feel and what is important to you.

The leaders of your care team are generally your obstetrician and the pediatric cardiologist who counsels you about the fetal heart condition during your pregnancy. Other members of the care team may include medical professionals such as nurse coordinators, nurse practitioners, and social workers. Everyone takes part in delivery planning and makes sure you get the information and support you need.

Delivery planning takes into account several factors. This includes your baby’s heart condition and what level of care the delivery hospital can provide. It also includes special considerations about your health and any needs you may have for additional medical attention.

Most babies with CHD do well during labor and can be born in the same way as any other baby, as close to the end of pregnancy as possible. But some babies with CHD do require a highly specialized or timed delivery. How and when you deliver is ultimately a decision that comes from your care team after thoughtful review.

Your obstetrician will make sure that your care and delivery method are appropriate for both you and your baby’s condition. They will also work with the pediatric cardiologist to discuss what care the baby might need during and after delivery. Some infants do not need immediate specialized care after birth.

Planning for delivery is usually an exciting and emotional time. But when your child has CHD, delivery planning may feel out of your control. This can be frightening or frustrating or both.

The best way to deal with uncertainty and mixed emotions about delivery is to understand what will happen and why. Getting more information and clarity about the delivery plan will help you and your partner feel empowered and more in control of the process. Some parents also find emotional support helpful during this time.