Early detection of congenital heart defects—conditions that are present at birth—allows for more careful planning of future care. That is why Medical City Children's Hospital is proud to be at the leading edge of prenatal diagnosis.

With a fetal echocardiogram, we can detect potential problems in utero. As a result, we can provide the early treatments best designed to produce successful outcomes. For example, we can safely treat rhythm abnormalities in utero by giving the mother medications that cross the placenta to prevent congestive heart failure in the baby.

If a cardiac defect is detected, a Medical City Children’s Hospital congenital heart surgeon is available to meet with parents, discuss prospects of future surgery and answer any questions they may have. The pediatric cardiologist will schedule additional echocardiograms, follow up as indicated and counsel parents on what to expect.

What is a fetal echocardiogram?
A fetal echocardiogram, or fetal echo, is an ultrasound that takes pictures of a baby’s heart while the baby is in the mother’s womb. An ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images, so there is no radiation exposure. The optimal time to perform a fetal echo is between 16 and 22 weeks into a pregnancy.

What happens during a fetal echocardiogram?
During the test, the expectant mother lies in a comfortable bed in a private room. A family member is also welcome to stay in the room with her. The entire process is painless and takes from 20 to 45 minutes.

To prepare for the fetal echocardiogram, gel is placed over the mother’s abdomen. Then the ultrasound scan probe, which looks like a microphone, is placed on the abdomen and sends images to a video screen. The ultrasound scan probe is moved around to take different pictures of the baby’s heart.

After the test is completed, the parents are fully informed by the cardiologist of the results, and any questions they have are answered. A written report of the results is sent to the referring doctor.

What does a fetal echocardiogram detect?
A fetal echocardiogram can potentially show all the cardiac chambers, heart valves and main blood vessels directly attached to the heart and establish information about the heart rate and rhythm. This allows many forms of structural congenital heart disease to be diagnosed in utero. A few examples include hypoplastic left heart syndrome, truncus arteriosus, transposition of the great arteries, tetralogy of Fallot and ventricular septal defects.

Our pediatric cardiologist and congenital heart surgeon will fully explain any diagnosis, answer all questions about the results of the test and discuss treatment plans.

Who should have a fetal echocardiogram performed?
Some pregnant women have a higher risk of giving birth to a baby with a heart defect. A fetal echocardiogram should be considered if any of the following signs are present:

• History of congenital heart disease or syndrome in mother, previous child or other family members
• Abnormal fetal heart rhythm
• Fetal heart abnormalities detected during a routine pregnancy ultrasound scan
• Abnormality of another major organ system in fetus
• Maternal insulin-dependent (type I) diabetes mellitus, type II diabetes or gestational diabetes
• Exposure to certain drugs in early pregnancy such as antiepileptic drugs
• Known or suspicion of abnormal chromosomes or karyotype