Fetal Echocardiogram
Specialized ultrasound examining baby's heart structure and function in detail.
📅 When Performed
Weeks 18-24
⏱️ Results Timeline
Same day discussion, official report in 1-2 days
Overview
A fetal echocardiogram is a detailed ultrasound specifically examining your baby's heart. It's performed by a pediatric cardiologist or specially trained technician and provides much more detailed images of the heart than a standard anatomy scan.
This test is recommended when there's increased risk of heart defects - such as family history, abnormal anatomy scan, maternal diabetes, or certain medications. Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect.
The fetal echo can detect structural heart problems, abnormal heart rhythms, and issues with heart function, allowing for planning of delivery and immediate care after birth.
🎯 Purpose of Test
- •Detailed examination of heart structure
- •Detect congenital heart defects
- •Assess heart function
- •Check heart rhythm
- •Evaluate blood flow through heart chambers and vessels
- •Plan for delivery and newborn care if heart defect found
🔬 How It's Performed
- 1.Specialized ultrasound, similar to anatomy scan
- 2.Takes 45-60 minutes (longer than standard ultrasound)
- 3.Multiple views and measurements of heart
- 4.Doppler used to assess blood flow
- 5.Color flow imaging shows blood movement
- 6.Performed by pediatric cardiologist or specialist
- 7.Very detailed and technical
👀 What to Expect
- →Longer appointment (1-2 hours total)
- →Similar to regular ultrasound
- →Focused on heart only
- →Very detailed examination
- →May be referred to maternal-fetal medicine center
- →Cardiologist discusses findings
- →If abnormality found, plan for delivery at hospital with cardiac care
✓ Normal Results
Normal four-chamber heart, normal valves, normal blood flow, regular rhythm
⚠️ Abnormal Results
- •Congenital heart defect detected
- •Abnormal heart rhythm
- •Abnormal blood flow or valve function
- •May need delivery at specialized hospital
- •Pediatric cardiac surgery may be needed after birth
- •Genetic counseling recommended
- •May need additional testing (amnio, fetal MRI)
- •Prognosis varies greatly depending on specific defect
⚠️ Risks & Considerations
- •No risks - non-invasive ultrasound
- •Anxiety about findings
- •Potential for detecting minor findings that resolve
📝 How to Prepare
- →Referral from OB usually required
- →Bring medical records
- →Allow 2+ hours for appointment
- →Bring support person
- →Prepare questions for cardiologist
- →Understand that detection allows for planning, even if stressful