What is a fetal echocardiogram?

A fetal echocardiogram (or “echo”) is a specialized ultrasound (“sono”) examination of the unborn baby’s heart, and it is done after an abnormality is seen on routine OB ultrasound or when there is a suggestion in the family history that the pregnancy has an increased chance of having a heart problem.

The test itself is similar to a routine OB ultrasound. The mother lies comfortably on an examination bed while the ultrasound technician or the cardiologist moves a jelly covered ‘probe’ over the outside of her abdomen in the area of the baby’s heart. Often she is asked to roll from side to side to gain a more advantageous angle of the baby’s heart or to keep up with the baby as it changes position inside.

As desired images are achieved of the anatomy of the heart, its valves, and its vessels, the images are electronically recorded or, on older machines, printed on paper. Blood flow is determined in the various parts of the heart and blood vessels by use of Doppler "color-flow" ultrasound technique, and these images contain patches of colors representing the direction and speed of blood flow. These images also are recorded for future study. Often short video clips, like movies, are made of the movement of valves, chambers, or Doppler bloodflow to demonstrate and record what is seen in "real time."

How long does it take?

Because of the numerous parts of the fetal echocardiogram, they usually take more time than a routine OB ultrasound. It is not unusual for them to take up to an hour to complete.

It is common to repeat fetal echocardiograms when they are not completely normal to follow the development of the heart and the bloodflow as the baby grows inside. As the heart grows, often it is possible to see abnormalities in greater detail and to gain useful information for care at the time of birth.

Where do we perform fetal echos?

Our pediatric cardiologists perform fetal echocardiograms at the main hospital and outpatient centers in:

When fetal echocardiograms are done by our cardiologists, the mother receives a full discussion of what was seen and an interpretation of what problems may exist before she leaves the office. Reports are also sent to the obstetrical caregivers involved.

Scheduling an echocardiogram requires a doctor's order and can be arranged through the Institute for Fetal Health. Call 773.975.8782.

Why might a mother get a fetal echo?

Common reasons for getting fetal echocardiograms include:

• History of a close family relative with a heart birth defect
• Abnormality of the heart suggested by routine OB ultrasound
• Diabetes in the pregnant Mom-to-be
• Birth defects seen in other areas of the fetus
• Known or suspected genetic abnormality of the fetus
• Exposure to chemicals or certain medicines during pregnancy
• Certain infections during pregnancy like rubella (German measles)
• Problems in twin pregnancies
• Abnormal fetal heart rate observed during a routine OB visit