What if the ductus arteriosus is open at the time my baby goes home?
If the ductus arteriosus has not closed by the time your baby goes home, it will need to be followed by the baby’s doctor. Frequently the PDA will close on its own within several months after birth. Your child’s doctor may refer you to a pediatric cardiologist (a doctor who cares for children with heart problems). What happens if the PDA does not close? If your baby is not growing well, or there is evidence that the PDA is making your baby sick, the PDA will probably need to be closed. However, if the baby is growing well and thriving, then nothing is done until approximately one year of age. How is the PDA closed?
