A fetal echocardiogram is a specialized ultrasound scan offering a detailed view of a baby’s heart during pregnancy. This non-invasive procedure assesses the heart’s structure, function, and rhythm, providing important information about its health before birth. It serves as a crucial tool for evaluating the developing heart.
What is a Fetal Echocardiogram?
This detailed ultrasound focuses on the unborn baby’s heart. It uses sound waves to create images of the heart’s chambers, valves, and major blood vessels. It may be recommended for a family history of heart defects, abnormal findings on routine prenatal ultrasounds, or if the pregnant individual has certain health conditions like diabetes or lupus. The procedure is typically performed between 18 and 24 weeks of gestation, when the baby’s heart is developed enough for detailed imaging. However, in some high-risk cases, it can be done earlier, around 12 to 14 weeks.
Preparing for Your Scan
Preparation for a fetal echocardiogram is generally minimal. There are no dietary restrictions, so you can eat and drink as usual. Unlike some other prenatal ultrasounds, a full bladder is not required. Avoid applying lotions, creams, or powders to your abdomen on the day of the scan, as these can interfere with the ultrasound gel. Bringing relevant medical information, such as records of previous pregnancies or family cardiac history, is helpful for the healthcare team.
What Happens During the Scan
During the fetal echocardiogram, you will lie on an examination table. The room is darkened to enhance visibility of the images on the screen. A warm, clear gel is applied to your abdomen to help the ultrasound waves travel effectively from the transducer to your uterus and back.
A sonographer or pediatric cardiologist gently presses a handheld transducer onto your abdomen. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the baby’s heart structures, creating real-time images and video clips on a monitor. You might feel some pressure as the sonographer moves the transducer to capture various angles of the heart.
The sonographer examines the baby’s heart, assessing its position, size, and the proper formation of its four chambers. They carefully evaluate the heart valves to ensure they open and close correctly, and inspect major blood vessels like the aorta and pulmonary artery. Blood flow patterns are observed using Doppler techniques, and the heart’s rhythm is assessed.
The duration of a fetal echocardiogram varies, typically ranging from 30 minutes to over an hour, and sometimes up to two hours, depending on the baby’s position and the complexity of the heart structures being evaluated. If the baby is not in an ideal position, you may be asked to shift positions to optimize imaging. This procedure is safe for both the pregnant individual and the baby, using ultrasound technology with no radiation. Once images are captured, the gel is wiped off your abdomen.
Understanding Your Results
After the fetal echocardiogram, images are reviewed by a pediatric cardiologist or maternal-fetal medicine specialist. Often, the doctor discusses initial findings immediately after the scan. A report is usually sent to your referring physician the same day.
If results are normal, you continue routine prenatal care. If concerns are identified, the specialist explains them in detail. This may lead to recommendations for further consultation, additional testing, or follow-up scans. Early detection of potential issues allows for informed decision-making and planning for the baby’s care after birth.