Fetal echocardiography is a test that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to evaluate the baby's heart for problems before birth.
Fetal echocardiography is a test that is done while the baby is still in the womb. It is usually done during the second trimester of pregnancy when the woman is about 21—25 weeks pregnant. The procedure is similar to that of a pregnancy ultrasound. You will lay down for the procedure.
The Test can be performed on your belly [abdominal ultrasound] or through your vagina (transvaginal ultrasound).
In an abdominal ultrasound, the person performing the test places as a clear, water-based gel on your belly and then moves a hand-held probe over the area. The Probe sends out sound waves, which bounce off the baby’s heart and creates a picture of the heart on a computer screen. In a transvaginal ultrasound, a much smaller probe is placed into the vagina. A transvaginal ultrasound can be done earlier in the pregnancy and produces a cleaner image than an abdominal ultrasound.
A routine pregnancy ultrasound detect an abnormal heart rhythm or a possible heart problem in the unborn baby.
Usually, the report will be ready by the next day. For certain conditions that need to be discussed in the team, the reporting may be delayed by 48-72 hours.
The echocardiogram finds no problems in the fetal heart relevant to that gestational period.
There are no known risks to the mother or fetus.
Some heart defects cannot be seen before birth, even with fetal echocardiography. These include small holes in the heart of mild valve problems. Sometimes it may not be possible to see every part of the blood vessels leading out of the baby’s heart. Certain diseases may evolve during pregnancy (eg: heart muscle disease, valve narrowing/leak) and may not be seen at the scanning time.
