Fetal echocardiogram
Fetal heart defects are the most common birth defects with an incidence of approximately 8/1,000 pregnancies. A fetal echocardiogram is an ultrasound examining only the fetal heart. This is usually done between 20-22 weeks of gestation. Recording devices are not permitted.
Common indications for fetal echocardiography include*:
Fetal indications:
- Abnormal heart rate or rhythm
- Twin pregnancies that share one placenta (monochorionic twins)
- Medication exposure such as lithium, paroxetine or retinoic acid
- Abnormal cardiac screening ultrasound
- Fetal chromosome abnormality
- Increased nuchal translucency
Maternal indications:
- Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes or other metabolic disorders
- First degree relative born with a heart defect
- Pregnancies conceived by in vitro fertilization
If you are referred for a fetal echocardiogram, please remember because it is a technically difficult scan, it is scheduled as a one-hour visit.
Children will not be allowed in the room during the fetal echocardiogram.
*AIUM Practice Guidelines for the Performance of Fetal Echocardiography, 2010
