20 wks - fetal heart blcok

[gito]

I am 20 wks pregnant, the baby was diagnosed with fetal heart block. I don't have any underlying conditions, we were told this was random and there is no cure. If the baby makes it to term, it would need a pacemaker as soon as it is born. Has anybody been through a similar diagnosis or know of somebody else who has? What are the chances of survival? Can a baby with a pacemaker from birth grow into a healthy adulthood? Does anybody know of any adults who have had pacemakers since birth and are able to lead normal lives?

[spade22]

Sorry you are going through this.  Some of your questions can only be answered by your doctor.  I hope you get some answers soon.

[momuvtwo0130]

I have a friend whose little girl was diagnosed with third degree heart block at 1 1/2 years old, but it was not detected prenatal.  As in your case, there were no underlying conditions....totally random....  Doctors decided to wait until she showed definite signs of necessity for the pacemaker.  She was diagnosed almost three years ago and still has not had a pacemaker put it because she is dealing with the heartblock okay at this time.  I can tell you that she appears as normal as the next child and plays very hard.  She runs circles around her older brother and is a lively, extremely active little girl.  My friend found a support group online for pediatric heartblock.... I can find out what the site is if you'd like!  Hope this gives you some hope!