How Do You Develop Congenital Heart Defects?

How Do You Develop Congenital Heart Defects? Your genes. Congenital heart disease appears to run in families (inherited) and is associated with many genetic syndromes. … German measles (rubella). Having rubella during pregnancy may affect how the baby’s heart develops while in the womb. Diabetes. … Medications. … Alcohol. … Smoking. How does congenital heart