Fetal ECHO

Fetal echocardiography is a test similar to an ultrasound. This exam allows your doctor to better see the structure and function of your unborn child’s heart. It’s typically done in the second trimester, between weeks 18 to 24.

The exam provides information on how your baby’s heart formed and whether it’s working properly.

It also enables your doctor to see the blood flow through the fetus’s heart. This in-depth look allows your doctor to find any abnormalities in the baby’s blood flow or heartbeat.

When is fetal echocardiography used?

Not all pregnant women need a fetal echocardiogram. For most women, a basic ultrasound will show the development of all four chambers of their baby’s heart.

Your OB-GYN doctor may recommend that you have this procedure done if previous tests weren’t conclusive or if they detected an abnormal heartbeat in the fetus.

You may also need this test if:

your unborn child is at risk for a heart abnormality or other disorder
you have a family history of heart disease
you’ve already given birth to a child with a heart condition
you’ve used drugs or alcohol during your pregnancy
you’ve taken certain medications or been exposed to medications that can cause heart defects, such as epilepsy drugs or prescription acne drugs
you have other medical conditions, like rubella, type 1 diabetes, lupus, or phenylketonuria

Do I need to prepare for the procedure?

You don’t need to do anything to prepare for this test. Unlike other prenatal ultrasounds, you won’t need to have a full bladder for the test.

The test can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to perform.

Are there any risks associated with this exam?

There are no known risks associated with the echocardiogram because it uses ultrasound technology and no radiation.

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