Introduction: Congenital heart defects are a group of heart abnormalities that develop
during fetal development in the womb. They are among the most common congenital
anomalies, affecting approximately 4 to 8 out of every 1000 live births. Purpose: The
purpose of this thesis is to present how the diagnosis of a congenital heart defect is made
during pregnancy, how the birth of the child takes place, what kind of care the child
receives after birth, and what the role of the midwife is in each stage of care. Methods: A
retrospective data analysis was conducted. Sources were searched in several databases,
including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and MedLine, using the following keywords: congenital
heart defect, childbirth, pregnancy, diagnosis, treatment, risk factors. The search strategy is
presented in a PRISMA diagram. Articles were searched in several databases, such as
PubMed and MedLine. Results: A total of 11 sources were included in the final review.
During pregnancy, congenital heart defects can be diagnosed in various ways. Some
methods provide a precise indication that a heart anomaly is present, while others suggest
that a more detailed fetal heart examination is needed. Therefore, the primary tool for
monitoring the heart during pregnancy is the use of ultrasound. Diagnosis is crucial for
planning the delivery, as it allows for a safer transition of the fetus to extrauterine life.
Discussion and conclusion: It is important for midwives to be aware of their role
throughout the entire process – from the prenatal diagnosis to the postnatal care of the
newborn. It is essential that they possess the professional knowledge required to monitor
both the pregnant woman and the newborn, and that they provide appropriate
psychological support to the family during these sensitive periods. During labor, it is
crucial that the woman and her partner are well informed about the available options, as
well as the potential complications that may arise during childbirth.
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