Fetal Echocardiogram
What
is a fetal echocardiogram?
At certain times, a diagnostic test using sound waves can be used to look at the structures of a baby's heart while the baby is still inside the mother.
This test is usually performed when:
- The mother has polyhydramnious (too much water or amniotic fluid around the baby).
- The mother has oligohydramnious (too little water or amniotic fluid around the baby).
- There is a history of congenital heart problems in the mother or in other children in the family.
- The fetus has a fast heart beat.
- The mother has diabetes or gestational diabetes.
- Other tests done (such as a fetal sonogram) indicate possible heart disease or show other developmental problems in the fetus.
Preparing for a fetal echocardiogram
The test is best done after 16-18 weeks of pregnancy, when the size of the baby's heart is big enough to be visualized with a sonogram. The mother will have an appointment and will need to undress enough to expose her stomach.
During the procedure
A fetal echo is done like all other sonograms during pregnancy. The mother's stomach is uncovered, and a gel is applied to obtain pictures. With a fetal echocardiogram, the pictures obtained are of the fetal heart.
After the procedure
The Inova pediatric cardiologist will discuss the test results with the mother and other family members.
