What Is A Fetal Echocardiogram?
Fetal Echo Scan at Jammi Scans
What Is Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)?
A congenital heart disease is a defect in the heart’s structure that is present even before birth.
The defects in the heart can vary. It can affect the heart walls or the blood vessels around the heart.
What Causes Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)?
Although the exact cause of congenital heart disease is unknown, it could be caused due to factors such as Genetics and environmental factors.
Specific gene defects (22q11 deletion, trisomy 21) have been identified as having a solid association between congenital heart disease and more generalized syndromes.
In addition, other factors such as maternal diabetes and specific medications (such as anticonvulsants) have been associated with increased rates of heart defects.
How Is The Test Performed?
An Echocardiogram can be done in two ways,
- Transabdominal
- Transvaginal
The test is performed from above (abdominal) or through the vagina (transvaginal). As in the routine pregnancy tests, a sound wave is transmitted that is reflected by the baby’s heart and is captured to project an image of the heart on the screen.
This helps the Fetal Medicine Specialist better see the structure and function of the unborn child’s heart.
When Is The Fetal Echo Scan Performed?
The Fetal echo is usually performed between 16 – 22 weeks of gestation.
It can also be performed at the required week including as early as 13 weeks and as late as the third trimester.
How Many Babies Are Born With Congenital Heart Disease?
What Is Observed During The Procedure?
During an echocardiogram procedure, the structure, function of the baby’s heart and the blood flow to the baby’s heart are mainly observed.
It can detect issues including congenital heart defects, cardiac tumors and abnormalities in the heart.
Who Should Have A Fetal Echocardiogram?
Fetal Risk Factors Include:
- An abnormal appearing heart
- Abnormal heart rate or arrhythmia on routine screening ultrasound
- Aneuploidy (chromosomal abnormality)
- Increased nuchal translucency thickness at first trimester evaluation
- Non-cardiac fetal structural abnormalities
- A two-vessel umbilical cord
- Multiple babies such as twins or triplets
- Fluid accumulation in the fetus
- If the unborn baby has been diagnosed with a genetic abnormality including disorders with abnormal number of chromosome; Down syndrome, for example
- If a heart abnormality is suspected on routine ultrasound
- If there are abnormalities outside of the heart of the fetus noted on routine prenatal ultrasound; examples include extra fluid around the lungs or the heart or an abnormality of another organ such as the kidneys or brain.
- Abnormal fetal heart rate or rhythm. This can be an irregular heartbeat or heart rate that is too fast or too slow.
Maternal Risk Factors Include:
- Maternal diabetes, lupus or other systemic disease that involves the heart (such as DiGeorge Syndrome)
- First-trimester use of known teratogens
- IVF pregnancies
- Maternal congenital heart disease
If the mother has taken medications that are known to cause congenital heart defects. - If the mother has specific health problems such as diabetes (the type that the mother had prior to pregnancy)
- If the mother had specific infections during pregnancy such as rubella or CMV
Familial Risk Factors Include:
- If a first degree relative has been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. First degree relative includes the mother or father of the baby as well as any siblings of the baby
- If there is a known family history of disorders that are passed along from generation to generation such as Marfan’s syndrome or tuberous sclerosis
Is The Test Definitive?
Frequently Asked Questions
01. What are the Implications Of an abnormal fetal echo test?
The diagnosis of a heart defect has significant implications for the overall health of the fetus; certain heart defects may significantly increase the risk of genetic problems such as Down’s Syndrome. The finding of benign tumors in the heart makes the diagnosis of Tuberous Sclerosis, a genetic syndrome that has significant implications for abnormal brain development, much more likely.
02. When is the fetal echocardiogram performed?
Fetal echocardiograms can reliably be performed any time after 17–18 weeks gestation; however, if scanning is done before 18 weeks, the patient will likely be asked to return for more definitive pictures to confirm the findings on the early study.
03. Should you be worried about fetal echocardiogram?
Fetal echo scans are completely safe. The procedure does not pose any health risks to your baby.
04. What kind of treatments are available for the unborn child with a heart defect?
Some prenatal medical interventions are needed to help with fetal heart rate disturbances. However, this varies in each case. You will be guided with the detailed procedure when you meet us in person.
05. How do you support the patient after a congenital heart disease diagnosis?
We understand this involves a huge lot of emotions. However, we like to mention that you are not alone. Dr. Deepthi is here to help. Using her specialized knowledge in this field, she will guide you and your family through a counseling session to explain what you can do to make things better.
