A fetal echo is a type of ultrasound that looks at the heart of the unborn baby. It allows your doctor to study in detail the structure and function of the baby's heart and also to identify any congenital heart issues at an early stage.
Why It's Done:
- Familial genetic defect or an irregular heart.
- During pregnancy. women report issues with diabetes, thyroid and infections.
- Routine tests indicate a possible heart issue.
- The mom is on some drugs which may affect the baby.
- The baby has a high heart rate and also shows other issues which are seen in the ultrasound.
- During pregnancy at the 18 to 24 week mark when the baby's heart has developed enough to be measured, doctors may suggest this test.
At the time of the test which is to say at the time we are in the moment of the test.
Echocardiograms during pregnancy are a non-invasive option which is very safe. We use sound waves of high frequency instead of radiation to produce clear moving images of your baby's heart.
At this point in the scan:
- An insert of gel will be used as the stomach is at rest.
- To have images of your heart taken the doctor puts in a small device through your abdomen.
- The process takes 30 to 45 minutes.
- A specialist radiologist or fetal cardiologist reviews the results.
- Once completion of the test is achieved you may go back to your regular routine; you do not have to prepare in advance or wait for a period of recovery.
The benefits of fetal echocardiography
- At the time of birth we see that some children are born with health issues in the heart.
- This allows for arrangement of delivery and health care at a specialty facility in case of emergency.
- Also a step in that which we see as a goal of providing for your baby's care.
Humanistic Care, High-Precision Technology
We have found out that it is universal that parents want to know their baby's health. Our staff operate state of the art ultrasound machines which are supervised by very trained in fetal medicine professionals who see to it that each scan is performed as precisely and as humanely as possible.
As we believe that health is a pre-birth issue we take the time to present the research, to answer your questions and walk you through each step.
When to Schedule Your Scan
Fetal heart evaluations via ultrasound at 18-20 weeks of pregnancy are a routine part of care. We invite you to come by our newborn imaging department for a visit should your doctor recommend it or if you wish to have a more in depth look at your baby's heart health.