We are happy to announce that geneabirth is now offering Critical Congenital Heart Disease screening.

In recent years there has a growing awareness surrounding the issues of  Critical Congenital Heart Disease and a campaign to screen all babies for CCCHD.  Congenital Heart Disease is the most common birth defect among all babies.  Many of these babies are diagnosed from the 20 week ultrasound. In other cases it may be quickly apparent after birth that the something is very wrong.  However, in a fraction of cases, a baby with CCHD will  appear to transition well to life outside the mother’s uterus and serious, life-threatening problems become apparent in the days after the baby is born.

CCHD screening is also called pulse ox screening because it is accomplished with a pulse oximeter.  If you or anyone you love has ever been hospitalized you have probably seen a pulse oximeter.  It’s the little plastic thing placed on one finger that lights up and monitors the pulse and blood oxygen levels of the patient.

The CCHD screening uses a pulse oximeter to measure a newborn baby’s blood oxygen levels. This test is painless and non-invasive. The baby’s blood oxygen levels are measured in one hand and both feet using the sensor and a soft, flexible band to hold the sensor in place. The baby can be held by his mother, her partner or the midwife while the test is completed. The baby can nurse throughout the test. The test takes just a minute or two.

This test is one of the options available to you and there is no additional charge.  It is performed by your midwife in the comfort of your home at the 24 hour postpartum homevisit.  While the overwhelming majority of babies are born healthy and ready to grow and thrive, it can provide peace of mind to know that there are no hidden issues with your baby’s heart  that need to be addressed with expert medical attention.

Feel free to ask Sarah or Erin any questions you may have about CCHD or pulse ox screening.  And check out this video for more information.