Fetal Cardiology
Fetal cardiology is is the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of heart abnormalities in a baby before it is born.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fetal Cardiology
What is a fetal echocardiogram (fetal echo)?
Who should have a fetal echo?
When should my fetal echocardiogram be performed?
How accurate is a fetal echo?
Will the fetal echo hurt my baby?
Who performs the fetal echo?
How long does a fetal echo take?
When will I know the results of my fetal echo?
What if there is an abnormality?
Who should have a fetal echo?
When should my fetal echocardiogram be performed?
How accurate is a fetal echo?
Will the fetal echo hurt my baby?
Who performs the fetal echo?
How long does a fetal echo take?
When will I know the results of my fetal echo?
What if there is an abnormality?
What is a fetal echocardiogram (fetal echo)?
A fetal echo is a special ultrasound the evaluates the structure, function, and electrical system of a baby's heart before it is born.
Who should have a fetal echo?
Your obstetrician will decide if you need a fetal echo. In general, mothers who are at increased risk for having a baby with a heart abnormality should have a fetal echo. Some of the risk factors are:
A question of a heart abnormality on a routine obstetric ultrasound
When the structure of the baby's heart cannot be visualized completely on a routine ultrasound
When an obstetric ultrasound detects abnormalities in other organs
When the baby's heart rate is too fast, too slow, or irregular A family history of a heart defect
Certain medications or drugs taken by the mother, such as anti-seizure medications, some antidepressants, alcohol, amphetamines, and others
Maternal diabetes, including diabetes that develops during pregnancy.
Certain maternal illnesses, including rubella, CMV, and phenylketonuria
A collagen vascular or autoimmune disorder in the mother, such as lupus
When an amniocentesis or blood test during pregnancy suggests a higher risk for a genetic syndrome, such as Down syndrome
Anytime the baby is not doing well, for unclear reasons
When should my fetal echocardiogram be performed?
The baby's heart can be evaluated as early as 16 weeks gestation, or anytime after that. It is often useful to wait until 20-24 weeks gestation, when the heart structures can be seen more clearly.
Timing of a fetal echo may be different in special cases. For example, in mothers with diabetes, a second fetal echo should be performed during the third trimester of pregnancy. In mothers with lupus, fetal echo monitoring should begin at 16 weeks.
How accurate is a fetal echo?
In general, fetal echos are very accurate. A fetal echo can detect nearly all forms of heart disease, including most major heart defects. However, because fetal circulation is different from a baby's circulation after birth, a few defects may not be detected until after the baby is born. Also, some minor defects may not be detected on a fetal echo.
Will the fetal echo hurt my baby?
There is no evidence that fetal echos are harmful to babies. Regardless, every effort is made to minimize the amount of ultrasound energy used during the fetal echo.
Who performs the fetal echo?
A cardiac sonographer specially trained in evaluating heart defects in children will perform the echo. The sonographer will evaluate all the heart chambers and valves of the heart, and the blood vessels connected to the heart. He/she will also evaluate the baby's heart rhythm.
How long does a fetal echo take?
On average, a fetal echo takes 45 minutes. However, this time is very variable and depends on the position and activity level of the baby, and the quality of pictures that can be obtained.
When will I know the results of my fetal echo?
In most cases, a pediatric cardiologist is present and will review the echo right away and discuss the results with you. Occasionally, some heart structures are difficult to see. In that case, you will be asked to return another day to complete the echo.
What if there is an abnormality?
Heart defects occur in almost 1% of children, and are the most common type of birth defect. Many of these defects are minor and do not require treatment. Other heart abnormalities require treatment such as medication or surgery. The pediatric cardiologist will inform you of treatment options if a significant abnormality is found. The pediatric cardiologist will also work closely with your obstetrician to make plans for safe delivery of the baby, or to provide intervention during the pregnancy if needed.
A fetal echo is a special ultrasound the evaluates the structure, function, and electrical system of a baby's heart before it is born.
Who should have a fetal echo?
Your obstetrician will decide if you need a fetal echo. In general, mothers who are at increased risk for having a baby with a heart abnormality should have a fetal echo. Some of the risk factors are:
A question of a heart abnormality on a routine obstetric ultrasound
When the structure of the baby's heart cannot be visualized completely on a routine ultrasound
When an obstetric ultrasound detects abnormalities in other organs
When the baby's heart rate is too fast, too slow, or irregular A family history of a heart defect
Certain medications or drugs taken by the mother, such as anti-seizure medications, some antidepressants, alcohol, amphetamines, and others
Maternal diabetes, including diabetes that develops during pregnancy.
Certain maternal illnesses, including rubella, CMV, and phenylketonuria
A collagen vascular or autoimmune disorder in the mother, such as lupus
When an amniocentesis or blood test during pregnancy suggests a higher risk for a genetic syndrome, such as Down syndrome
Anytime the baby is not doing well, for unclear reasons
When should my fetal echocardiogram be performed?
The baby's heart can be evaluated as early as 16 weeks gestation, or anytime after that. It is often useful to wait until 20-24 weeks gestation, when the heart structures can be seen more clearly.
Timing of a fetal echo may be different in special cases. For example, in mothers with diabetes, a second fetal echo should be performed during the third trimester of pregnancy. In mothers with lupus, fetal echo monitoring should begin at 16 weeks.
How accurate is a fetal echo?
In general, fetal echos are very accurate. A fetal echo can detect nearly all forms of heart disease, including most major heart defects. However, because fetal circulation is different from a baby's circulation after birth, a few defects may not be detected until after the baby is born. Also, some minor defects may not be detected on a fetal echo.
Will the fetal echo hurt my baby?
There is no evidence that fetal echos are harmful to babies. Regardless, every effort is made to minimize the amount of ultrasound energy used during the fetal echo.
Who performs the fetal echo?
A cardiac sonographer specially trained in evaluating heart defects in children will perform the echo. The sonographer will evaluate all the heart chambers and valves of the heart, and the blood vessels connected to the heart. He/she will also evaluate the baby's heart rhythm.
How long does a fetal echo take?
On average, a fetal echo takes 45 minutes. However, this time is very variable and depends on the position and activity level of the baby, and the quality of pictures that can be obtained.
When will I know the results of my fetal echo?
In most cases, a pediatric cardiologist is present and will review the echo right away and discuss the results with you. Occasionally, some heart structures are difficult to see. In that case, you will be asked to return another day to complete the echo.
What if there is an abnormality?
Heart defects occur in almost 1% of children, and are the most common type of birth defect. Many of these defects are minor and do not require treatment. Other heart abnormalities require treatment such as medication or surgery. The pediatric cardiologist will inform you of treatment options if a significant abnormality is found. The pediatric cardiologist will also work closely with your obstetrician to make plans for safe delivery of the baby, or to provide intervention during the pregnancy if needed.