CHD

Congenital Heart defects is the #1 birth defect. It's present at birth but begins in the early stages of pregnancy when the baby's heart is forming. CHD has more occurrences than spina bifida, down syndrome or hearing loss. According to little hearts.org "Approximately 40,000 babies are born each year in the united states with a CHD. That equates to 1 out of 125 babies are born with heart defects." What causes congenital heart defects? "In most cases, scientists do not know what makes a baby's heart develop abnormally. Genetic and environmental factors appear to play roles.
Scientists are making progress in understanding the genetics of heart defects. Since the 1990s, they have identified about 10 gene mutations (changes) that can cause isolated (not accompanied by other birth defects) heart defects. For example, a March of Dimes grantee identified a gene that can cause a heart defect called an atrial septal defect (a hole between the upper chambers of the heart), and one that may contribute to hypoplastic left heart syndrome (underdevelopment of the heart’s main pumping chamber).
Other viral infections, such as the flu, also may contribute, as may exposure to certain industrial chemicals (solvents). Some studies suggest that drinking alcohol or using cocaine in pregnancy may increase the risk of heart defects.
Certain medications increase the risk. These include...
The acne medication isotretinoin (Accutane and other brand names)
Thalidomide (approved only for a rare, severe skin disorder, but sometimes used for other conditions) Certain anti-seizure medications.
Some studies suggest that first-trimester use of trimethoprim-sulfonamide (a combination of antibiotics sometimes used to treat urinary-tract infections) may increase the risk of heart defects. To find out more please visit the March of Dimes website." All this information I was able to get from here. CHD is a birth defect that not a lot of people know about until somehow, someway it becomes personal to them. Maybe they have a friend who has CHD, a co-worker, or a family member. Please help spread awareness.