What is a Fetal Echocardiogram?
Fetal echocardiography is a test that allows doctors to view the heart of a baby before birth.
- Fetal echocardiography uses ultrasound to look at the structures and function of the heart.
- A fetal echocardiogram is the name of the test.
- Fetal echo is the shortened name of this test you will most often hear used.
During a fetal echo, a handheld probe is used to transmit and receive sound waves. It sends and receives sound waves similar to a regular pregnancy ultrasound. The test creates real-time, moving images of the baby’s heart. It lets doctors view the heart, its blood vessels, the blood flow through the vessels, and the heart’s four chambers.
Why Would I Need a Fetal Echocardiogram?
A fetal echocardiogram is done when there is concern that the baby may have a heart problem or is at higher risk for one.
Common reasons for performing a fetal echo include:
- A possible heart problem seen on a regular ultrasound during pregnancy
- Parent or another child born with a heart condition present at birth (congenital heart disease or defect)
- Genetic test results showing a possible concern for a heart problem
- Other fetal malformations seen on a pregnancy ultrasound
- Diabetes during pregnancy
- Irregularities in the fetal heartbeat (called arrhythmias)
How Is a Fetal Echocardiogram Done?
A fetal echo does not hurt. It is done like a regular ultrasound. The pregnant mother must lie flat or on her side. This is sometimes uncomfortable for moms in late pregnancy.
No special preparations are needed before a fetal echo. The test takes about 30 to 45 minutes or longer if there is more than one baby. It is done in an outpatient setting—an overnight stay is not needed for this test. You are able to leave after the test is over and the results have been discussed with you.
At Cincinnati Children's, a registered fetal sonographer or cardiology fellow does the ultrasound. A pediatric cardiologist interprets the study. These heart specialists have advanced training in fetal imaging and cardiac ultrasound.
The test is done within our outpatient pediatric cardiology clinics in partnership with maternal-fetal medicine offices. If something does not look normal, we will share the results with you immediately after the fetal echo is complete.
At What Stage of Pregnancy Should a Fetal Echo Be Done?
The best time for this test is between 18-24 weeks' gestation (about mid-pregnancy). But they can be done any time after this period.
Before 18 weeks of pregnancy, the small size of the fetus makes it more difficult to image the heart. However, in certain high-risk pregnancies, it is possible to complete fetal echoes as early as 12-14 weeks’ gestation.
What Can Be Learned from a Fetal Echocardiogram?
A thorough fetal echo shows the complete anatomy of the fetal heart. The test also helps providers understand how the baby’s heart is working and identify normal or abnormal cardiac rhythms.
How Will Information From the Test Be Used?
Results will be shared with your OB doctor or maternal fetal medicine provider. They will also often share the results with the pediatrician or other providers like neonatologists who would likely care for your baby immediately after birth.
Some heart problems may need attention right after delivery. The information from the fetal echo can influence the choice of where a baby should be born (high-risk obstetric center or a community facility). These test results also help providers prepare for how to care for the baby right after birth.
Some heart problems may be able to be treated before the baby is born. For example, for an unborn baby with a constant arrhythmia, anti-arrhythmia medications can be given to the mother during pregnancy.
Knowing about a potential heart problem before delivery gives a family a chance to learn about the condition, plan for care, and prepare for possible treatments. This may include surgery or other interventions the child might need. It also helps the medical team give the support and resources needed during pregnancy to ensure the best possible outcomes at birth.
