Fetal Echocardiography
Fetal echocardiography is a specialized ultrasound examination that provides a detailed assessment of your baby’s heart during pregnancy. It evaluates the structure, function, rhythm and major blood vessels of the fetal heart and can help identify certain congenital heart abnormalities before birth. A detailed cardiac examination is typically performed around 18–22 weeks of pregnancy, although the timing may vary depending on the clinical indication.
Advanced Cardiac Imaging
Early Detection
Fetal Echocardiography
Fetal Heart Position
Heart Chambers
Heart Valves
Ventricular Function
Great Arteries
Aortic & Pulmonary Arches
Heart Rhythm & Rate
Blood Flow
Septum
Cardiac Connections
When Is It Recommended?
Fetal echocardiography is generally performed during the second trimester, commonly around 18–22 weeks, when detailed cardiac structures can usually be assessed.
- It may be recommended when an abnormality is suspected during a routine ultrasound.
- It may be advised when there is a family history of congenital heart disease.
- It may be recommended following certain abnormal findings on an earlier pregnancy scan.
- Increased nuchal translucency may be one reason for a more detailed fetal cardiac assessment.
- Certain maternal or pregnancy-related factors may increase the need for specialized cardiac evaluation.
- Some multiple pregnancies, including monochorionic twin pregnancies, may require detailed fetal cardiac assessment.
- Your doctor or fetal medicine specialist will determine whether fetal echocardiography is appropriate for your pregnancy.
Important Information
Fetal echocardiography is a detailed and specialized examination, but no prenatal ultrasound can detect every possible heart abnormality. Some conditions may be difficult to identify before birth or may develop later in pregnancy.
- A normal fetal echocardiogram significantly helps assess the baby's heart but cannot guarantee that every cardiac condition is absent.
- The baby's position, gestational age and image quality can sometimes affect the examination.
- Some small defects may not be visible during the prenatal examination.
- Certain heart conditions may become apparent only later in pregnancy or after birth.
- A repeat examination may be recommended if adequate views cannot be obtained or if follow-up is clinically required.
- If an abnormality is identified, your doctor may recommend further specialist evaluation and appropriate pregnancy and delivery planning.