Cardiovascular SystemCongenital Heart DiseaseCongenital heart disease is a defect in one or more structures of the heart or blood vessels that occurs before birth. Abnormalities can be serious at birth and require immediate attention, while others are benign and resolve on their own, and some go unnoticed until a person is older. It affects 1 in 100 children at birth (WebMD, American Heart Association). Heart valve abnormalities include the narrowing of the valves or their complete closure which stops forward blood flow. Some valves do not close properly, allowing blood to flow backwards. Defects in the walls between the atria and ventricles of the heart can allow abnormal mixing of oxygenated and non-oxygenated blood between the left and right sides of the heart. Abnormalities of the heart muscle often lead to heart failure due to dysfunction of the muscle. Vital signs to detect a birth defect are pulse oximeter and blood pressure. Symptoms of congenital heart disease include rapid breathing, cyanosis (bluish tint to the skin, lips, and nails), fatigue, and poor blood circulation. Treatment depends on the type of defect, its severity, age and general health. Most children with congenital heart disease do not need treatment, but some children with severe heart defects require cardiac catheter procedures, open heart surgery, heart transplants and medications. Before pregnancy, women should check whether they have been vaccinated against rubella. The most critical time to prevent a congenital heart defect is the first trimester; since the heart is one of the first organs to develop in the fetus. During pregnancy, mothers should take a multivitamin, avoid illegal drugs, alcohol and viral infections, medications (especially lithium,...... middle of paper ...... electronic devices , wheelchairs and rolling walkers can be used to support movement Communication aids, such as computers with communication devices, can be used to facilitate speech (NINDS; Bachrach, 2012). Cerebral palsy cannot be avoided, but if you are pregnant, health precautions can reduce the chances of the infant developing cerebral palsy: a healthy diet, proper use of medications, proper prenatal care, and consulting a doctor. about medications are effective precautions during pregnancy Additionally, if you have diabetes, anemia, hypertension, seizures or nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy, these should be controlled afterward. at birth, do not shake the baby, which can lead to shaken baby syndrome and brain damage. Do not expose children to lead, this can also cause brain damage, and give the appropriate vaccines at the right time for the child (Bachrach)., 2012).17