What is Fetal Echocardiography?
Fetal echocardiography is a specialized ultrasound examination of the fetal heart performed between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. It assesses cardiac structure, function, and rhythm to detect congenital heart defects and guide prenatal management.
Why is it done?
- Family history of congenital heart disease
- Abnormal findings on routine obstetric ultrasound
- Maternal conditions such as diabetes, lupus, or phenylketonuria
- Use of cardiac teratogenic medications
- Suspected fetal arrhythmia or hydrops fetalis
When should I get it?
Fetal echocardiography is ideally performed between 18 and 24 weeks of gestation when the fetal heart is large enough for detailed imaging but early enough for counseling and management decisions.
How is the scan performed?
- A transducer is placed on the mother’s abdomen after applying ultrasound gel
- The sonographer obtains multiple views: four-chamber view, outflow tracts, three-vessel view, and ductal arch
- Doppler techniques evaluate blood flow across valves and major vessels
- Fetal heart rate and rhythm are recorded
What does it show?
- Cardiac anatomy: chambers, septa, valves, outflow tracts
- Cardiac function: ventricular contractility and wall motion
- Hemodynamics: blood flow patterns and valve function
- Rhythm assessment: detection of arrhythmias
Benefits and Limitations
Benefits:
- Non-invasive and safe with no radiation exposure
- High sensitivity for major congenital heart defects
Limitations:
- Image quality may be affected by fetal position or maternal habitus
- Small defects may be missed
- Operator-dependent; requires an experienced fetal cardiologist or sonographer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is fetal echocardiography safe for my baby?
Yes. It uses ultrasound waves and poses no known risk to mother or fetus
How long does the test take?
Approximately 30–60 minutes depending on fetal position and complexity
Do I need any preparation?
No special preparation is required; a moderately full bladder may help with imaging
When will I receive the results?
Your sonographer will discuss preliminary findings, and a detailed report will be available within 1–2 days
What happens if a heart defect is detected?
You will be referred for counseling with a fetal cardiologist to discuss management options, including delivery planning