Therefore, given early negative
effects of maternal depression and anxiety, the clinical implications
for infants with severe CHD might be an additional delay in development compared to children
with less severe CHD and healthy children, especially if
their mothers’ symptoms of depression and anxiety
extend into the clinical realm. The link between severe
CHD, maternal symptoms of depression and anxiety
should therefore be identified by medical personnel as a
risk factor for the health and well-being of both the mother
and infant.