Fetal Echocardiography

What is Fetal Echocardiography?

Fetal Echocardiography is a diagnosis performed to check the heart conditions of the developing baby in the uterus. This test can help to detect any heart defects before the birth of the baby so that the treatment can be done as soon as the baby is born. This scan is also crucial so that the doctors can identify and prepare for any complications during labor or childbirth. In some cases if the heart condition is severe the doctors may schedule early delivery of the baby.

Why and when is Fetal Echo needed?

The fetal echo is recommended to pregnant women in the following situations:

• Any genetic problem in the fetus.
• Women gave birth to a child previously with heart defect.
• Family history of heart problems.
• The pregnant women intakes certain medications for seizure, depression or acne that may cause congenital heart defects.
• Drug or alcohol abuse or consumption.
• Pregnant women with certain health conditions like lupus, diabetes or phenylketonuria.
• If the women was infected during pregnancy with measles or cytomegalovirus.
• Abnormal test results from other scans.

The fetal echo is performed during the second trimester of the pregnancy between 18-24 weeks. The test has no risk or ill-effects to the women or baby.

What is done after Fetal Echo?

The doctors examine the results and if it is normal then nothing is further required in this regard. In some cases if something is detected then the doctors may prescribe the following:

• Fetal wellness assessment.
• Treatment
• Nonstress test
• Ultrasounds
• Amniocentesis
• Genetic counseling
• Biophysical profile