Early and accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of managing neonatal heart disease. Detecting congenital heart defects either before birth or soon after delivery allows timely treatment and significantly improves survival and long-term outcomes.

Before Birth: Prenatal Diagnosis

Foetal echocardiography is a specialized ultrasound test that evaluates the structure and function of the baby’s heart during pregnancy. It plays a crucial role in the early detection of congenital heart disease in newborns, often weeks or months before delivery.

Foetal heart screening is recommended when:

Routine pregnancy ultrasound scans suggest heart abnormalities.
Pregnancy is considered high-risk (for example, maternal diabetes or a previous child with heart disease).
There is a family history of congenital heart disease.

Benefits of prenatal diagnosis include:

Early confirmation of the type and severity of the heart defect.
Planning delivery at a hospital with NICU and neonatal cardiac surgery facilities.
Immediate stabilization and treatment after birth.
Reduced risk of emergencies in the newborn period.

Early prenatal detection gives families time to understand the condition and prepare specialized care.

After Birth: Newborn Diagnosis

If a heart defect is suspected after delivery, a congenital heart defect diagnosis involves a combination of clinical assessment and specialized tests.

After birth, evaluation may include:

Detailed clinical examination by a pediatric specialist.
Pulse oximetry screening to detect low oxygen levels, even before symptoms appear.
Echocardiography is the most important and definitive diagnostic test.
Chest X-ray or ECG when needed to assess heart size and rhythm.
Cardiac catheterization in selected cases for detailed assessment or intervention.

Early newborn diagnosis helps doctors initiate treatment promptly, improving survival and reducing complications.

Congenital Heart Disease in Newborns and Babies: Signs, Tests & Care