Coping Skills and Marital Satisfaction Help Pregnant Mothers Manage Stress of Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Defects

According to new research from the Cardiac Center of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, expectant mothers who learn from prenatal diagnosis that they are carrying a fetus with a congenital heart defect (CHD) commonly suffer post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety. However, a healthy relationship with one's partner and positive coping mechanisms can reduce this intense stress.