Fetal echocardiography
Fetal echocardiography is a specialized ultrasound that focuses on the fetal heart, including structure, blood flow and cardiac rhythm.
Why is fetal echocardiography performed?
You may need fetal echocardiography if:
- You have a previous child born with a congenital heart defect
- You have a family history of heart problems
- You have maternal diabetes
- Your baby has fetal arrhythmia (abnormal cardiac rhythm)
- You have been exposed to certain medications or teratogens
- Your baby has other noncardiac abnormalities
- Your baby has a chromosomal abnormality
- Previous ultrasounds show abnormal cardiac views
Who will perform a fetal echocardiogram?
Fetal echocardiogram is performed by a specially-trained sonographer and interpreted by a maternal fetal medicine specialist or pediatric cardiologist.
When is a fetal echocardiogram performed?
Most are performed after 20 weeks of gestation.
What can I expect during a fetal echocardiogram?
The test is painless, noninvasive and no different from a normal transabdominal ultrasound.
Where are fetal echocardiograms performed?
The test is performed at our maternal fetal medicine office.