Few important things you need to know about Fetal Echocardiography | Dr. Neha Gupta

What is Fetal Echocardiography? 

Fetal echocardiography is nothing but a detailed ultrasound of the fetal heart. It is done by a fetal medicine specialist to check your unborn baby’s heart functions and structures. The heart and its connections, blood flows, and their velocities are checked. The scan is done in the second trimester i.e. between 18 to 24 weeks.

When the need for Fetal Echocardiography arises? 

This scan may not necessarily be recommended to all pregnant women as the heart and its connections are checked at the time of the anomaly scan. However, some radiologists do not do a detailed evaluation of the fetal heart at the time of the anomaly scan.

We, fetal medicine specialists, always look at the heart and its connections in detail at the time of the anomaly scan.
Fetal echocardiography is advised in conditions where fetal heart abnormality is suspected at the time of the anomaly scan. 

There are some other reasons for why this test will be recommended:

• History of congenital heart disorders in the parents or siblings
• If ultrasound assessment at the time of anomaly scan revealed other structural abnormalities.
• Because of the diseases you already have like diabetes, lupus or fetal infections like Rubella.
• You have been on certain medications like medicines to prevent seizures, certain medications for acne.
• If you are obese or there was suboptimal assessment due to scars or fibroids

Are there any risks in this test? 

There are no risks associated with the ultrasound. Ultrasound is just sound waves and there is no utilization of radiation.

Is the preparation required for this test? 

No preparation is required before the test.

What happens during Fetal Echocardiography? 

The ultrasound is done from the mother’s tummy only. You lie flat on your back and our fetal medicine specialist rubs a gel on your belly. Then a device called a transducer (a device that sends and receives sound waves) is moved on your belly to get images of your baby’s heart.

After the test depending upon the findings,  the fetal medicine specialist will discuss with you.

Reach us to get an appointment for fetal echocardiography in Noida by our best fetal medicine specialist, Dr. Neha Gupta.