Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Fetal echocardiography

Contents of this page:

Definition    Return to top

Fetal echocardiography is a test that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to evaluate the baby’s heart for problems before birth.

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

Fetal echocardiography is a test that is done while the baby is still in the womb. It is usually done during the second trimester of pregnancy, when the woman is about 18 – 24 weeks pregnant.

The procedure is similar to that of a pregnancy ultrasound. You will lie down for the procedure.

The test can be performed on your belly (abdominal ultrasound) or through your vagina (transvaginal ultrasound).

In an abdominal ultrasound, the person performing the test places a clear, water-based gel on your belly and then moves a hand-held probe over the area. The probe sends out sound waves, which bounce off the baby’s heart and create a picture of the heart on a computer screen.

In a transvaginal ultrasound, a smaller probe is inserted into the vagina. A transvaginal ultrasound can be done earlier in the pregnancy and produces a clearer image than an abdominal ultrasound.

How to Prepare for the Test    Return to top

No special preparation is needed for this test.

How the Test Will Feel    Return to top

The conducting gel may feel slightly cold and wet. You will not feel the ultrasound waves.

Why the Test is Performed    Return to top

This test is done to detect a heart problem before the baby is born. It can provide a more detailed image of the baby’s heart than a regular pregnancy ultrasound.

The test can show:

The test may be done if:

Normal Results    Return to top

The echocardiogram finds no problems in the unborn baby’s heart.

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

Abnormal results may be due to:

The test may need to be repeated.

Risks    Return to top

There are no known risks to the mother or unborn baby.

Considerations    Return to top

Some heart defects cannot be seen before birth, even with fetal echocardiography. These include small holes in the heart or mild valve problems.

If the health care provider finds a heart problem, a detailed ultrasound may be needed to check the rest of the unborn baby’s body for other abnormalities. Some heart rhythm problems may be treated before the baby is born. Others are treated soon after birth.

References    Return to top

Lee W, Comstock CH. Prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease: Where are we now? Ultrasound Clin. 2006;1:273-291.

Laboratory Evaluation. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 423.

Webb GD, Smallhorn JF, Therrien J, Redington AN. Congenital Heart Disease. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP. Brawnwald’s Heart Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 61.

Update Date: 2/18/2009

Updated by: Daniel N. Sacks MD, FACOG, Obstetrics & Gynecology in Private Practice, West Palm Beach, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.