Fetal echocardiography is a specialized ultrasound test performed during pregnancy to evaluate the position, size, structure, function and rhythm of the unborn baby’s heart. An obstetrician is able to obtain a limited view of the baby’s heart during a routine pregnancy ultrasound. A fetal echocardiogram provides a detailed evaluation by a specialist in fetal echocardiography of the baby’s heart. Print our Guide to Fetal Echocardiography
One of the benefits of fetal echocardiography is prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD). This allows the baby to have faster access to medical and surgical intervention after birth. In some cases, prenatal diagnosis has been shown to improve overall outcomes in babies with complex heart disease.
Certain women are at a higher risk for delivering a baby with congenital heart disease. These patients should be considered for a fetal echocardiogram referral.
Fetal heart abnormalities suspected from a routine obstetric ultrasound
Family history (first degree relative) of CHD
Abnormal fetal heart rate or rhythm
Abnormality of another major organ system
Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
Sjogren’s Syndrome or Lupus (especially in the presence of ssA or ssB antibodies)
Exposure to some drugs in early pregnancy, for example, some anti-epileptic drugs
Hydrops
Increased nuchal translucency on a first trimester screening
Chromosomal abnormalities associated with CHD
There are some abnormalities that even a detailed fetal echocardiogram can not detect prenatally. These include pulmonary venous anomalies, coarctation of the aorta, small holes and mild valve abnormalities. Additionally, some cardiac lesions are not evident until after the baby is born. Occasionally, repeat evaluation is necessary.
The patient will receive directions and appointment confirmation by mail two weeks before the appointment. Mothers who are less than 24 weeks pregnant are asked to arrive with a moderately full bladder. The duration of the fetal echocardiogram is about one hour.
To schedule a fetal echocardiogram, a fax referral form must be filled out and faxed to The Heart Center at Nationwide Children’s at (614) 722-5552. A representative from The Heart Center will schedule the test and return the form, with the appointment date and time, back to the obstetrician’s office within one business day.
Ideally, the test will be scheduled between 20-24 weeks gestation. If the pregnancy is more than 24 weeks, the test will be scheduled in the next available time slot. If the obstetrician feels that the fetal echocardiogram needs to be performed urgently, please call (614) 722-6657. The patient will be notified of their appointment by the obstetrician’s office.
After the pediatric cardiac sonographer performs the test, a pediatric cardiologist will meet with the family the same day to review the results. If the baby does have congenital heart disease, the doctor will discuss treatment options and prognosis. A plan will be established for each patient and follow-up testing will be scheduled as needed. The referring physician will be faxed a complete report on the same day as the fetal echocardiogram.
If indicated on the fetal echocardiogram that the baby will require services at Nationwide Children’s Hospital after birth, the cardiologist will contact the program coordinator of the Fetal Diagnostics Program. The nurse coordinator will work closely with the families from the time of diagnosis by helping prepare and educate for the birth and care of their child. The coordinator helps facilitate communication amongst the health care team and pediatric specialists. The goal is for families to experience a seamless transition from pregnancy to newborn care.
Featured Physician: Karen Texter, MD
|
Karen Texter, MD, Director |
Director of Fetal Echocardiography at The Heart Center at Nationwide Children’s
Fetal Echocardiography Referral