CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS (CHD) AWARENESS WEEK – February 7-14 CHDs are the most common birth defect, affecting approximately 1 in every 100 babies (about 1 percent or 40,000 babies) every year in the United States. CHDs are present at birth and can affect the structure of the baby’s heart and the way it works. About 1 in every 4 babies born with a heart defect has a critical congenital heart defect (CCHD). Babies with CCHD are at risk for serious health problems or death without surgery or other procedures within their first year of life. In Missouri, all babies are required to be screened for CCHD soon after birth. Screening is painless, non-invasive, and can help detect CCHDs early, allowing for treatment that can prevent disability and death early in life. For more information about CCHD screening in Missouri, visit www.health.mo.gov/cchd