MUST read for pregnant women about the MOST common birth defect

From one mom to another mom, I wrote this for all
pregnant women. I wish someone had told me this when
I was pregnant. Congenital heart defects are the most
common birth defect, affecting about 1 in 100 babies. I
first heard about CHD from the coroner. My daughter,
Cora, had an undetected CHD. I dont want any other
Momma to learn about CHD the way I did. And, the good
news, knowledge is power. Spend a few minutes
educating yourself. Some babies are diagnosed in utero,
some aren’t diagnosed until they’re adults. No need to
live in fear, but be aware. Inside you’ll find: a flyer to take
with you to the hospital when you deliver (pack it in your
hospital bag) to help you talk to your baby’s nurses and
doctors about using pulse oximetry as screening for CHD
(1st page), and also a list of symptoms of CHD, if you
notice any of these in your baby, ask your doctor about it
(2nd page). Remember, Kri
I
stin
’m just e Bri
a m
t
om e
like you, so talk
over everything with a doctor. –Kristine Brite McCormick
(Cora’s Mom)
I

C o r a ’ s S t o r y
K r i s t i n e @ c o r a s s t o r y . o r g
w w w . c o r a s s t o r y . o r g
@ k r i s t i n e b r i t e o n
T w i t t e r
5 / 1 / 2 0 1 0

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“A person is a person no matter how small.”
Dr. Seuss



If not already common practice at my hospital, please screen my newborn with a pulse


oximeter sometime after 24 hours of life and before discharge.
While no method catches heart defects all the time, this simple v
ital taker can catch both heart defects and respiratory problems.
Researchers found pulse oximetry performed on a calm baby sometime after 24 hours most effective. Because the test is so simple,
quick, non-invasive and inexpensive, I’d like my newborn screened . If my child’s oxygen level is under 95 percent, I’d like to discuss
further testing. I know even if my child’s oxygen level is above 95 percent, a defect could still be present. Because congenital heart
defects are the most common birth defect, affecting 1 in 100 births and can go undetected into adulthood, I’ve researched the
signs and symptoms of CHD.


Several groups are working to make pulse oximetry a standard part of newborn screening, if you’d like
information about implementing a program at your hospital, visit
http://www.childrensnational.org/PulseOx.* For inform ation about legislative efforts visit
http://www.1in100.org.*





Cora’s Story
Phone: 260.517.9680
Kristine@corasstory.org

www.corasstory.org

*1in100.org and Children’s National didn’t assist in developing this
brochure, but are also working to save tiny hearts. While based on
discussions with medical professionals, Cora’s Story is a non-profit

organization educating pregnant women and mothers about heart defects
and none of its board members are medical professionals.

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*
"The moment a child is born, the mother is

also born. She never existed before. The
woman existed, but the mother, never. A
mother is something absolutely new."

Signs and symptoms of heart defects in a newborn or infant.

 Baby tires easily during feeding

 Poor weight gain

 Sweating around the head, especially during feeding

 Fast breathing when at rest or sleeping

 Pale or bluish skin color

 Puffy face, hands and/or feet

 Rapid heart rate

 Constant lung infections
Talk to your doctor about any of these signs, but remember, some of these signs can be present in
healthy babies and some can also signal another problem. Not every baby with a defect presents
signs or symptoms. You are your child’s best advocate, keep notes and ask questions.





Cora’s Story
Phone: 260.517.9680
Kristine@corasstory.org
www.corasstory.org

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