A nurse is providing education to a group of expectant parents about modifiable risk factors for congenital heart diseases. Which factor should the nurse emphasize as one that can be modified during pregnancy?

A) This option is incorrect. Middle-aged adults are not considered a high-risk population for congenital heart diseases. These conditions are primarily present from birth.

B) This option is incorrect. Elderly individuals are not at high risk for congenital heart diseases since these conditions are typically diagnosed at birth or during childhood.

C) This option is incorrect. While prenatal diagnosis of certain congenital heart diseases is possible through fetal echocardiography, pregnant women themselves are not at a higher risk for developing these conditions.

D) Correct answer. Neonates and infants are the highest-risk population for congenital heart diseases because these conditions are typically present from birth and may become apparent shortly after delivery or during infancy.

A. This statement is incorrect because congenital heart diseases are not acquired during childhood; they are structural heart defects that are present at birth due to genetic or environmental factors during fetal development.
B. This statement is accurate and describes the nature of congenital heart diseases as being present from birth and affecting the heart's structure or function.
C. This statement is correct as certain congenital heart diseases can indeed be diagnosed prenatally using fetal echocardiography, allowing for early intervention and planning.
D. This statement is true, as treatment options for congenital heart diseases often include medications, surgical interventions, or other medical therapies, depending on the specific condition and its severity.