Resources for Obstetrician-Gynecologists

At a glance

People born with heart defects need lifelong congenital cardiac care—but many of them aren’t getting it. As an obstetrician-gynecologist, your role in connecting people with heart defects to the care they need to stay healthy is important.

OB-GYN talking with pregnant patient

Overview

Take these steps to connect people with heart defects to a congenital cardiologist:

  1. Ask patients if they have a history of heart problems. You might have patients with heart defects who've never mentioned they have one.
  2. Ask patients with heart defects if they're seeing a congenital cardiologist. If they're not, explain why lifelong congenital cardiac care is important.
  3. Refer patients who aren't getting the care they need to a congenital cardiologist. If you need help finding congenital cardiologists in your area, check out the ACHD Clinic Directory.

Inform patients who are pregnant or plan to get pregnant that seeing a congenital cardiologist protects them and their baby.

Resources

How to Talk to People with Congenital Heart Defects about Lifelong Cardiac Care
These talking points can help OB-GYNs talk to patients with heart defects about lifelong congenital...
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OB-GYN Social Media Graphics
Social media graphics and messaging about lifelong congenital cardiac care for OB-GYNs
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Content Source:
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD)