Hello Doctor, we had to terminate our pregnancy in the 24th week due to congenial heart defects (VSD, Truncus arteriosus) in the fetus. I was told that the reasons for the CHD could be a.) getting married in the same blood relation, b.) the effects of some medicines on the pregnancy at the time of conception, c.) because of some defect in chromosomes and/or d.) it was just random or an accident. My wife and I are not married in the same blood relations and my wife was on antibiotics one month prior to conception. Could you please tell me what exactly could be main reason for this defects and what are the chances that these defects will not be there in subsequent pregnancies and what precautions shall we take to mitigate these risks in the future.

Dr. Surbhi AgrawalGeneral Physician12yrs exp

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In most cases, you can't do anything to prevent having a baby with a ventricular septal defect. However, it's important to do everything possible to have a healthy pregnancy. Here are the basics: Get early prenatal care, even before you're pregnant. Quitting smoking, reducing stress, stopping birth control ? these are all things to talk to your doctor about before you get pregnant. Also, be sure you talk to your doctor about any medications you're taking. Eat a balanced diet. Include a vitamin supplement that contains folic acid. Also, limit caffeine. Exercise regularly. Work with your doctor to develop an exercise plan that's right for you. Avoid risks. These include harmful substances such as alcohol, cigarettes and illegal drugs. Also, avoid X-rays, hot tubs and saunas. Avoid infections. Be sure you're up to date on all of your vaccinations before becoming pregnant. Certain types of infections can be harmful to a developing fetus. 

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