Fetal Echocardiogram

A fetal echocardiogram is an ultrasound that focuses on the fetal heart.  It is similar to a standard ultrasound and poses no risk to either the mother or the baby.  This type of exam looks at fetal cardiac structures, blood flow through the fetal heart and fetal cardiac rhythm.  Fetal echocardiograms are performed by qualified sonographers with a specific certification in fetal echocardiogram and interpreted by a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist.  

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Common reasons for having a fetal echocardiogram are: 

• Suspected fetal heart defect on routine ultrasound

• Family history of congenital heart defects

• Known or suspected fetal chromosome abnormality or genetic syndrome

• Other birth defects in the baby

• Irregular fetal heart rhythms

• Maternal age

• Maternal illness