Fetal Echocardiogram

A fetal echocardiogram, also known as a fetal echo, is a specialized prenatal ultrasound exam used to evaluate the structure and function of your unborn baby’s heart. Unlike a standard fetal growth scan that provides a general picture of your baby’s development, a fetal echo offers a detailed look at the intricate workings of your baby’s heart.

Why is a Fetal Echo Performed?

A fetal echo might be recommended by your doctor at various points during your pregnancy for several reasons:

• Family history of heart defects: If you or your partner has a family history of congenital heart defects (CHDs), a fetal echo can identify potential heart abnormalities in your baby early on.
• Maternal health conditions: Certain health conditions in the mother, such as diabetes or lupus, can increase the risk of CHDs in the baby. A fetal echo can help detect these issues early for potential interventions.
• Abnormal findings on routine ultrasound: If a standard ultrasound scan reveals any concerning signs related to the baby’s heart, a fetal echo can provide a more detailed assessment.
• Genetic disorders: If prenatal testing reveals specific genetic conditions linked to heart defects, a fetal echo can further evaluate the baby’s heart health.
• Amniocentesis or CVS results: If results from prenatal tests like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) indicate a potential heart abnormality, a fetal echo can confirm or rule out the concern.

How is a Fetal Echo Performed?

A fetal echo is a non-invasive procedure typically performed between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. There are two main ways a fetal echo can be conducted:

• Transabdominal echo: This is the most common method. A sonographer applies a gel to your abdomen and gently moves a transducer over the area. The transducer emits sound waves that bounce off your baby’s heart, creating detailed images on a screen.
• Transvaginal echo: In some cases, particularly during earlier stages of pregnancy, a transvaginal echo might be used. A thin probe with a transducer is inserted into your vagina to get a clearer picture of the baby’s heart,especially if the mother has a larger body size or the baby is positioned in a way that makes a transabdominal echo challenging.

The entire procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the examination.

What Can a Fetal Echo Reveal?

A fetal echo can provide valuable information about your baby’s heart, including:

• Heart wall structure: The scan can assess the thickness and overall development of the heart walls for any abnormalities.
• Heart valves: The echo can evaluate the function and structure of the heart valves, ensuring proper blood flow through the chambers of the heart.
• Septal defects: The scan can identify any holes present in the walls separating the heart chambers, known as septal defects.
• Blood flow: The echo can assess the direction and flow of blood through the heart chambers and major vessels to detect any blockages or abnormal flow patterns.
• Heart rhythm: The scan can evaluate the baby’s heart rate and rhythm to identify any potential arrhythmias.

What Happens After a Fetal Echo?

Following the scan, your doctor will analyze the results and discuss them with you in detail. In most cases, the echo reveals a healthy heart. However, if the scan detects an abnormality, your doctor will explain the findings and recommend appropriate next steps. These may include further evaluation with a pediatric cardiologist specializing in fetal heart conditions, additional prenatal testing, or the development of a personalized care plan for after delivery.

A fetal echo offers a valuable tool for early detection and management of potential heart problems in your unborn baby.By providing detailed information about your baby’s heart health, it allows for informed decisions and contributes to a smooth and positive pregnancy journey.