The prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) represents, for both parents, a particularly stressful and traumatic life event from a psychological point of view. The present review sought to summarize the findings of the most relevant literature on the psychological impact of prenatal diagnosis of CHD on parents, describing the most common mechanisms employed in order to face this unexpected finding. We also highlight the importance of counseling and the current gaps in the effects of psychological support on this population.
Keywords: CHD; EMDR treatment; congenital heart defects; fear of childbirth; heart disease impact; maternal psychological stress; post-traumatic stress; prenatal diagnosis; psychological impact of prenatal diagnosis on parents; psychological support.