Fetal Heart Clinic
| Experienced Fetal Cardiologists |
"We have highly dedicated fetal cardiologists who have more than 40 years of combined experience performing fetal echocardiography and counseling patients."
Erik Michelfelder, MD, Director, Fetal Heart Program
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At the Fetal Heart Clinic – part of the Heart Institute at Cincinnati Children’s – fetal echocardiograms are performed and interpreted by cardiologists with special expertise in fetal imaging and cardiac ultrasound. Echocardiograms, essentially painless imaging studies that enable physicians to visualize the heart of the fetus before birth, are performed as an outpatient study in our state-of-the-art fetal echocardiography laboratory.
Fetal echocardiograms are optimally performed between 18 and 22 weeks gestation – approximately mid-pregnancy – but can be performed anytime after this period.
What to Expect On First Visit
The test takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes to complete and requires pregnant mothers to lie flat or on their sides, which is occasionally uncomfortable for moms in late pregnancy. No special preparations are required prior to the fetal echocardiogram.
At the Fetal Heart Progam, fetal echocardiographic studies are interpreted "on the spot" by a physician specializing in fetal cardiology, and the results are shared with the mother and family during the same visit in which the test is performed. Information about fetal heart problems are also sent to the family’s obstetrician and the pediatrician or neonatologists who would likely see the baby immediately following birth.
Some cardiac problems – such as arrhythmias – may be treated before the baby is born by administering anti-arrhythmia medications to the mother. Other heart problems may require immediate attention after delivery of the baby. The information from the fetal echocardiogram can influence the choice of where the baby should be born (high-risk obstetric center vs. community facility) and may direct the initial stabilization of the baby right after birth.
Learn more about our physicians, surgeons, imaging team and staff.
Contact Us
For more information about the Fetal Heart Program, or for a consultation, call:
Dana McBride
Administrative Assistant, Fetal Heart Program
Phone: 513-636-9931
Toll free 1-800-344-2462 ext. 6-9931
Fax: 513-636-9747
Email: dana.mcbride@cchmc.org
Call Physician Priority Link at 1-888-636-7997 and ask for the cardiologist on call.
