Fetal Echocardiography
A fetal echocardiography is a test using sound waves (ultrasound) to show the structure of an unborn baby's heart. An obstetrician may get a limited view of a baby's heart during a routine pregnancy ultrasound. However, a specialist in fetal echocardiography can study a baby's heart in great detail using a fetal echocardiogram.
Some pregnant women are at higher risk of giving birth to a baby with a heart defect. These women should definitely get a fetal echocardiography.
The ultrasound scanning may be done through the vagina or through the abdomen. There are no known risks to the mother or fetus.
Fetal echocardiography can help detect fetal heart abnormalities before birth, allowing for faster medical or surgical intervention once the baby is born. A fetal echocardiography is a proactive measure that can improve the chance of survival after delivery for babies with serious heart defects.
Learn more about fetal echocardiography at the Brenner Children’s Hospital web site.
Fetal Echocardiography