- 01/04/2023
- by Dr. Sagar Sujanyal
- Blog
A fetal echocardiogram is a specialized ultrasound that focuses on examining the heart of a developing fetus. It is a non-invasive and safe procedure that can provide crucial information about the baby’s heart health and development.
Here are some instances when a fetal echocardiogram may be necessary:
- High-Risk Pregnancy: Women who have pre-existing medical conditions or those who have had complications in previous pregnancies may be at a higher risk of fetal heart defects. A fetal echocardiogram may be recommended in such cases to detect any abnormalities in the heart early on and plan for appropriate medical intervention.
- Family History: If there is a family history of congenital heart disease or other cardiac anomalies, a fetal echocardiogram may be recommended. This is especially true if the parent, siblings, or close relatives have a history of congenital heart defects or other heart conditions.
- Abnormal Fetal Ultrasound: If the standard ultrasound shows any abnormalities or concerns about the fetal heart, a fetal echocardiogram may be recommended to provide a more detailed evaluation of the heart.
- Maternal Infections: Certain maternal infections, such as rubella or cytomegalovirus, can increase the risk of fetal heart defects. A fetal echocardiogram may be recommended in these cases to evaluate the health of the baby’s heart.
- Medications: Some medications taken during pregnancy can affect the development of the baby’s heart. A fetal echocardiogram may be recommended if the mother has been taking such medications.
- Advanced Maternal Age: Women who are 35 years or older are at an increased risk of having a baby with a heart defect. In such cases, a fetal echocardiogram may be recommended to evaluate the heart health of the baby.