Advancements in Pregnancy for Congenital Heart Defect Survivors

The field of pediatric cardiology and that of congenital heart disease has changed a great deal in the last couple of decades. Once upon a time, people born with critical congenital heart defects were called "blue babies" or "cardiac cripples" and were expected to die in infancy or in early childhood. Now that there are more adults alive with congenital heart defects, than babies born each year, everything is changing. One of the biggest changes to occur has happened in the area of family planning for those born with critical congenital heart defects. Dr. Peter Ermis is a specialist who works at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas. As a certified pediatric cardiologist with a specialization in working with adults with congenital heart defects, he is in a unique position to help men and women deciding to start their own families. Tune in today to hear Dr. Ermis tell us about the advancements he has seen and expects to see regarding preganancy and family planning for congenital heart defect survivors.