A fetal echocardiogram shows a more detailed picture of your baby’s heart than the regular pregnancy ultrasound.
This article will explain what to expect during a fetal echocardiogram and how to prepare for one.
What Is a Fetal Echocardiogram?
A fetal echocardiogram is an important prenatal test that shows the structures of your baby’s heart. Healthcare providers perform this test to examine the heart’s rhythm and how blood flows through the heart. A fetal echocardiogram also shows the pumping strength of a developing baby’s heart.
Reasons to Have an Echocardiogram
There are several situations when a fetal echocardiogram is needed during pregnancy. Reasons to have a fetal echocardiogram include:
Family history of congenital heart defects or heart disease Abnormal heart rhythm or other heart problem detected during the regular ultrasound Maternal history of diabetes, lupus, or phenylketonuria Positive rubella test in mother during the first trimester Maternal use of medications that may damage a developing baby’s heart Known chromosome disorder (discovered during amniocentesis) In vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy Monochorionic twins (two developing babies share the same placenta)
The Procedure
A fetal echocardiogram is usually performed in the second trimester, about 18 to 24 weeks pregnant, and does not require any special preparation.
Before the Procedure
Your healthcare provider will let you know if there are any special steps to take to prepare for the test. Unlike some other prenatal tests, you do not need to fast or have a full bladder before a fetal echocardiogram.
It is helpful to hold off on using any creams or lotions on your belly on the morning of your test. If you have had any abnormal results from previous tests, such as a past ultrasound, bring any medical records that you have.
During the Procedure
The most common type of fetal echocardiogram is an abdominal ultrasound. This means that the healthcare provider places the ultrasound probe over your belly to obtain pictures of your baby’s heart. Your provider will start by applying a warm gel to your belly. The ultrasound probe then sends out sound waves that bounce off of your baby’s heart and produce a picture on the monitor.
A fetal echocardiogram can also be performed using an endovaginal ultrasound. During this type of test, a small ultrasound transducer is placed inside the vagina to obtain pictures of your baby’s heart. A transvaginal ultrasound can be performed earlier in pregnancy and provides a clearer picture.
A fetal echocardiogram is usually performed by a registered cardiac sonographer (RCS), a healthcare provider who has been specially trained in ultrasound equipment and scanning a baby’s heart. Once the procedure is finished, the test results are then reviewed by a pediatric cardiologist. This is a doctor who is specially trained in detecting and treating heart disease in babies and children.
After the Procedure
Once your test is complete, your healthcare provider will explain how long the results should take and how to follow up with the medical team if you have any questions. Results from a fetal echocardiogram are usually ready within about 24 hours of the test.
How Long Does a Fetal Echocardiogram Take?
A fetal echocardiogram can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours. The test may take longer if your baby is in a position that makes it difficult to see the heart. Once your fetal echocardiogram is completed, results are usually ready within 24 hours.
Are There Any Side Effects to Be Aware Of?
There are no known side effects or risks of undergoing a fetal echocardiogram. If the test reveals an abnormality in your baby’s heart, you may require more frequent follow-up visits and treatments. Your medical team will discuss the results with you as soon as they are ready.
Vaginal bleedingSevere abdominal crampingDehydration from vomiting or diarrheaNew-onset swellingSevere headaches Blurred visionChest pain High fever
What Do The Results Mean?
A fetal echocardiogram is used to detect problems in your baby’s heart. These problems could be related to how the heart is formed or the way it works. It may also show disturbances in the baby’s heart rhythm, known as arrhythmias.
When a fetal echocardiogram reveals a problem with your baby’s heart, it is usually repeated in order to confirm the results. From there, the pediatric cardiologist will meet with you frequently to explain the heart defect and how it could affect your baby’s overall health.
Summary
A fetal echocardiogram is an ultrasound test used to examine the structures in a developing baby’s heart. This test can detect problems with the heart such as defects or arrhythmias. Your healthcare provider may recommend a fetal echocardiogram if you have a family history of congenital heart defects. The procedure may take anywhere between 45 minutes to two hours. Results are usually ready within 24 hours.
A Word From Verywell
Undergoing any type of prenatal test is nerve-racking. You may be feeling anxious about the thought of undergoing a fetal echocardiogram. Know that this is normal, and you are not alone. You may want to ask your partner or a trusted family member or friend to come with you for the test. Don’t hesitate to ask questions during the exam and once the results are ready.
