Delivery room and early postnatal management of neonates with congenital heart disease

Abstract

Advancements in prenatal detection have improved postnatal outcomes for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Detailed diagnosis during pregnancy allows for preparation for the delivery and immediate postnatal care for the newborns with CHD. Most CHDs do not result in hemodynamic instability at the time of birth and can be stabilized following the guidelines of the neonatal resuscitation program (NRP). Critical CHD that requires intervention immediately after birth is recommended to be delivered in facilities where immediate neonatal and cardiology care can be provided. Postnatal stabilization and resuscitation for these defects warrant deviation from the standardized NRP. For neonatal providers, knowing the diagnosis of fetal CHD allows for preparation for the anticipated instability in the delivery room. Prenatal detection fosters collaboration between fetal cardiology, cardiology specialists, obstetrics, and neonatology, improving outcomes for neonates with critical CHD.