Fetal Echocardiogram:what to expect

• A routine pregnancy ultrasound flagged a suspected heart issue or abnormal heart rate.
• A parent or sibling was born with a congenital heart defect.
• The mother has medical conditions like diabetes, lupus, or took certain medications during early pregnancy.
• Genetic abnormalities or other structural issues were detected in the baby.
• The pregnancy was conceived through assisted reproductive technology (IVF).

The scan shows the four chambers of the baby's heart, the major blood vessels (aorta and pulmonary artery) entering and leaving the heart, and the function of the heart valves. It measures the blood flow direction and speed, and checks for holes in the heart walls or abnormal heart rhythms.

No. Continue taking all your pregnancy supplements and prescribed medications as usual.

You will go to a private scan room. The specialist will ask you to lie on your back on the couch and expose your abdomen.

No. The scan is completely painless and safe. You will only feel the warm gel and the pressure of the probe on your abdomen.

No. Fetal echocardiography uses safe sound waves and has no radiation risks to you or your baby.

If a heart defect is detected, try to remain calm. Many heart conditions can be managed effectively. Knowing about a defect before birth allows your medical team to plan the safest delivery location (a hospital with a neonatal cardiac unit) and arrange immediate care or surgery for the baby after birth.

Ultrasound does not use ionising radiation, but a useful result still depends on the clinical question, the operator, the equipment, patient anatomy, and whether the target can be reached by sound waves. Gas, bone, body habitus, pain, movement, and a limited acoustic window can hide disease. A normal scan does not automatically exclude the suspected condition; persistent or worsening symptoms need clinical reassessment and sometimes repeat ultrasound, CT, MRI, laboratory tests, or another specialist test.

Ultrasound should be used for a medical purpose, with output and examination time kept as low as reasonably achievable—especially in pregnancy and with Doppler. Internal scans and procedures require explanation, consent, privacy, and a chaperone according to patient preference and local policy.

No special preparation is needed. You do not need to fast, and you do not need a full bladder, as the baby is already large enough to be seen easily.

Warm gel will be applied to your abdomen. The specialist will place the ultrasound probe on your skin and slide it over your womb. They will focus exclusively on the baby's chest, taking detailed measurements. You will see colored maps of blood flow (color Doppler) and hear rhythmic whooshing sounds representing the baby's heartbeat.

This is a highly detailed scan that takes about 30 to 60 minutes. If the baby is in a difficult position or moving frequently, the specialist may take longer to capture all required views.

The specialist will often discuss their findings with you immediately during or right after the scan. A detailed written report will be sent to your obstetrician or referring doctor within 24 hours.

This scan is performed on the unborn baby through the mother's abdomen.

Yes. This scan is designed specifically for pregnant patients who require detailed evaluation of the baby's heart.

• RadiologyInfo.org: Obstetric ultrasound
• AIUM: Prudent clinical use and safety of diagnostic ultrasound

A fetal echocardiogram is a safe and invaluable tool that helps ensure your baby receives the right care immediately after birth if a heart condition is present. There is no special prep required, so simply try to relax during the detailed session.