Fetal Care

Fetal echocardiography
Fetal echocardiography is a test that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to evaluate the baby’s heart for problems before birth.
How the Test is Performed
Fetal echocardiography is a test that is done while the baby is still in the womb. It is usually done during the second trimester of pregnancy when the woman is about 18 – 24 weeks pregnant.

The procedure is similar to that of a pregnancy ultrasound. You will lie down for the procedure.

The test can be performed on your belly (abdominal ultrasound) or through your vagina (transvaginal ultrasound).

In an abdominal ultrasound, the person performing the test places a clear, water-based gel on your belly and then moves a hand-held probe over the area. The probe sends out sound waves, which bounce off the baby’s heart and create a picture of the heart on a computer screen.

In a transvaginal ultrasound, a smaller probe is inserted into the vagina. A transvaginal ultrasound can be done earlier in the pregnancy and produces a clearer image than an abdominal ultrasound.
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test.
Why the Test is Performed
This test is done to detect heart problems before the baby is born. It can provide a more detailed image of the baby’s heart than a regular pregnancy ultrasound.
The test can show:

• Blood flow through the heart
• Heart rhythm
• Structures of the baby’s heart

 

The test may be done if:

• A sibling or other family member had a heart defect or heart disease
• A routine pregnancy ultrasound detected an abnormal heart rhythm or heart problem in the unborn baby
• The mother has type 1 diabetes, lupus, or phenylketonuria
• The mother has rubella during pregnancy
• The mother abused drugs or alcohol during pregnancy
• The mother has been exposed to drugs that can damage the baby’s developing heart (such as some epilepsy drugs and prescription acne medications)
• An amniocentesis ultrasound revealed/suspected a chromosomal disorder.
• Detailed cardiac evaluation is recommended now in all pregnancies regardless of the above-mentioned indications

 

Normal Results
The echocardiogram finds no problems in the unborn baby’s heart.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may be due to:

• A problem in the way the baby's heart has formed (congenital heart disease)
• A problem with the way the baby's heart works
• Heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias)

 

The test may need to be repeated.
Risks
There are no known risks to the mother or unborn baby.