This test dramatically increases the baby\u2019s chances of survival.<\/p>\n
So, here we go again with the facts about CHD:<\/p>
Most people are unaware that congenital heart defects are the most common birth defects throughout the world.<\/p>\n
CHDs are conditions that are present at birth and can affect the structure of a baby\u2019s heart and the way it works.<\/p>\n
One hundred babies are born in South Africa with a CHD every year \u2014 approximately 11 000 babies a year in the world.<\/p>\n
CHDs kill twice the number of children as childhood cancer and, still, pregnant women are not routinely tested and newborns are not routinely screened for CHDs.<\/p>\n
As a result, these often go undetected until sometime after birth and, in some cases, they are detected too late.<\/p>\n
There are about 40 types of CHDs and early detection is crucial.<\/p>\n
Organisations such as the Hudson Initiative are making it their mission to see CHDs become as normal a scan as the Down Syndrome check at 20 weeks, and that pulse oximetry tests are performed on all newborn babies.<\/p>\n
This dramatically increases their chances of survival.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, the initiative is raising money to fund CHD awareness campaigns and pay for pulse oximetry testing in infants.<\/p>\n
The long-term goal is to pay for surgeries needed by babies whose families cannot afford them.<\/p>\n
More information can be found here thehudsoninitiative.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n LG<\/p>\n![\"Little](\"https:\/\/benonicitytimes.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2015\/02\/IMG-20150209-WA0012-281x500.jpg\")
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