heart defect found at 20 week scan

[Elliesmum]

I am 20 weeks pregnant with my second child, and was shocked to be told last week that my baby has a heart defect called "persistent superior left vena cava", which is in essence an extra vein going into the heart. On its own this is often not a problem, but it can be linked to chromosomal abnormalities. In addition the baby is missing an artery in the cord, which I think is linked to the heart defect, and can lead to a problem with development. Has anyone had this problem and can give me any reassurance?

Thanks.

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Thank you very much for the suggestions, I'll give them a try and let you know.

You must have had your baby by now... just wondered how things are going? I have a 3 year old child with a severe heart condition, also diagnosed at 20 weeks. Can exchange experiences, if nothing else?!

Update - I had further scans during the pregnancy, which were unable to rule out further problems. It was a case of wait and see. At 36 weeks I suddenly developed preeclampsia, and despite beta blockers and hospitalisation, I had to have the baby, Isabel, 3 weeks early. I was terrified as she had to be resucitated at birth. After she recovered, I had a post-partum haemorrhage. Isabel had several scans to check her heart and kidneys, and we are so lucky that there appears to be no further defects, and she seems developmentally normal. The defect she has will remain, but should not need an operation.

Well, that IS good news, Elliesmum (or should it be Elliesandisabelsmum now?)
Congratulations, I am so glad she and you are OK! Good luck to all of you.

That is great news, Ellieandisabelsmum , so pleased to hear it worked out OK after all.

That is great news, Ellieandisabelsmum , so pleased to hear it worked out OK after all.