Fetal Echocardiogram

At UPMC, we offer state-of-the-art imaging technology to scan fetal hearts for abnormalities and pregnant mothers for heart disease. If a fetal echocardiogram is needed, expectant mothers should expect to receive it between weeks 20 to 24 of pregnancy.

What Is a Fetal Echocardiogram?

A fetal echocardiogram is an ultrasound test that assesses your baby’s heart structures and function. It enables your doctor to detect heart abnormalities before your baby is born. This allows for faster medical or surgical intervention after birth.

Why Would I Need a Fetal Echocardiogram?

Fetal echocardiograms are usually performed in the second trimester of pregnancy. Your physician may recommend a fetal echocardiogram if:

• A sibling was born with a congenital heart defect.
• There's a family history of congenital heart disease.
• Your baby has a chromosomal or genetic abnormality.
• You've taken certain medications that cause congenital heart defects, such as anti-seizure medications or prescription acne medications.
• You've abused alcohol during pregnancy.
• You have diabetes, phenylketonuria, or a connective tissue disease such as lupus.
• You had rubella during pregnancy.
• A routine prenatal ultrasound discovered possible heart, kidney, brain, or bone abnormalities.

What to Expect During Your Fetal Echocardiogram

During a fetal echocardiogram, a small probe called a transducer lies on your abdomen. The transducer sends out sound waves that bounce, or echo, off your baby's heart structures. The computer interprets these echoes into an image of the heart walls and valves.

The specialists at UPMC are highly trained in the latest techniques to obtain accurate information about your baby's heart, including:

• 2D echocardiography. This technique allows you to see the actual structures and real-time motion of your baby's heart.
• Doppler echocardiography. This procedure can detect abnormal blood flow within the heart. This can indicate an opening between the chambers of the heart or problems with the heart’s valves or walls.
• Color Doppler. Different colors can designate the direction of blood flow to simplify the interpretation of Doppler images.

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-09-05.