Reducing-Risk-CHD AAP.org > Advocacy & Policy > AAP Health Initiatives > Congenital Heart Public Health Consortium > Reducing the Risk for CHD Congenital Heart Public Health ConsortiumAbout HistoryAbout the CommitteeGet InvolvedConsortium StructureSteering CommitteeCHPHC CommitteesFact SheetsScreeningState-by-State InformationScreening for Critical Congenital Heart DefectsReducing the Risk for CHDRisk Factors for CHDDiabetesFolic Acid FortificationSmokingBirth Defects PreventionRisk Factors for CHD Diabetes Folic Acid Fortification Smoking Birth Defects Prevention CHD ResourcesArticles & WebinarsFact SheetsInfo for ProfessionalsDatabase for Surveillance, Research, and InnovationInformation for Patients and FamiliesCHD According to MeLifelong Care for Children, Youth and AdultsPublic Health FrameworkOther ResourcesPublic Health Framework Reducing the Risk for CHD Risk Factors for CHD Not all congenital heart defects can be prevented; however there are steps parents can take to increase their chance of having a baby born with a health heart. Diabetes Maternal diabetes can develop during pregnancy, affect how a body's cells use sugar, and cause high blood sugar levels that can affect a pregnancy and a baby's health. Folic Acid Fortification The risk for congenital heart defects (CHDs) could be lower among pregnancies of women who regularly take a multivitamin with folic acid. Smoking Some data suggest that maternal smoking during pregnancy may increase modestly the risk of certain CHDs. Birth Defects Prevention Advertising Disclaimer