Which maternal cardiac condition poses a high risk to the fetus?

Which maternal cardiac condition poses a high risk to the fetus?

• A. Mitral valve prolapse
• B. Uncorrected Tetralogy of Fallot
• C. Atrial septal defect
• D. Ventricular septal defect

Answer: (B)

Uncorrected Tetralogy of Fallot is a significant maternal cardiac condition that poses a high risk to the fetus due to the critical nature of the heart defects involved. Tetralogy of Fallot is characterized by a combination of four specific heart defects that affect normal blood flow and oxygenation. This can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood, compromising the oxygen supply to the fetus. Maternal hypoxia and the potential for right-to-left shunting of blood can result in fetal growth restriction and other complications. Moreover, when Tetralogy of Fallot is uncorrected, the maternal hemodynamics can also be significantly affected, which may further complicate pregnancy management. The condition may lead to episodes of cyanosis and other cardiac complications in the mother, which can directly impact the fetus through various mechanisms, including placental insufficiency. In contrast, the other conditions listed, while they may carry risks for the mother, do not generally present the same level of direct risk to the fetus as uncorrected Tetralogy of Fallot. Mitral valve prolapse, atrial septal defect, and ventricular septal defect are usually more manageable during pregnancy, particularly if they are not associated with significant hemodynamic compromise. Thus, un

Uncorrected Tetralogy of Fallot is a significant maternal cardiac condition that poses a high risk to the fetus due to the critical nature of the heart defects involved. Tetralogy of Fallot is characterized by a combination of four specific heart defects that affect normal blood flow and oxygenation. This can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood, compromising the oxygen supply to the fetus. Maternal hypoxia and the potential for right-to-left shunting of blood can result in fetal growth restriction and other complications.

Moreover, when Tetralogy of Fallot is uncorrected, the maternal hemodynamics can also be significantly affected, which may further complicate pregnancy management. The condition may lead to episodes of cyanosis and other cardiac complications in the mother, which can directly impact the fetus through various mechanisms, including placental insufficiency.

In contrast, the other conditions listed, while they may carry risks for the mother, do not generally present the same level of direct risk to the fetus as uncorrected Tetralogy of Fallot. Mitral valve prolapse, atrial septal defect, and ventricular septal defect are usually more manageable during pregnancy, particularly if they are not associated with significant hemodynamic compromise. Thus, un