Paediatric Cardiac Sciences

Fetal echocardiography is a highly specialized and detailed evaluation of the baby’s heart while still in the mother’s womb. Done best and ideally by a Fetal cardiologist or pediatric cardiologist, it involves a detailed ultrasound evaluation of the structure (valves, chamber, partitions, blood vessels) of the baby’s heart. It also assesses the regularity of the fetal heartbeats and the pumping function of the heart. Fetal echo makes it possible to identify in the fetus various structural heart defects as well as heartbeat abnormalities and thus provide appropriate care.

On an average, it takes 20-30 minutes for a fetal echo study. However it might take longer if the baby has a complex heart defect or the fetal position is not favourable.

The ideal time for this test is between 18-20 weeks of gestation. In some very high risk cases, it may be done as early as 14-16 weeks of gestation.

Fetal echocardiography utilizes the same principle of ultrasound as in routine obstetric scan but is more detailed and focused on heart. A routine obstretic scan includes a basic screening of the heart which detects few major cardiac abnormalities. Thereafter a fetal echo by an expert as in our center involves a detailed evaluation including various views and advanced software and technologies like 3D imaging, Tissue Doppler assessment etc.

Also fetal echocardiography does not require the pregnant female to be in a fasting state or to have a full bladder, thus making it quick and convenient.

Fetal echocardiography should ideally be done by a Fetal Cardiologist or a pediatric cardiologist who have an in-depth knowledge of the wide spectrum of congenital heart defects. At our center, this is done by a dedicated Fetal Cardiologist –Dr. Anupama Nair who is an expert in this field.

At present, Fetal Echocardiography is recommended in certain high risk pregnancies and is done for specific maternal or fetal indications.

Fetal echocardiography is done using the common ultrasound principle and is very safe. It has no harmful effect on the fetus even if performed multiple times in pregnancy.