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Pediatric Cardiology Associates | |||||
| Practice of Congenital Heart Disease | ||||||
Fetal Echocardiography
Some pregnant women are at higher risk of giving birth to a baby with a heart defect. They should be considered for referral for a specialized fetal echocardiogram. Indications include:
- a family history of congenital heart disease
- an abnormal fetal heart rhythm
- fetal heart abnormalities detected during a routine pregnancy ultrasound
- scan abnormality of another major organ system
- insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes mellitus
- exposure to some drugs in early pregnancy. For example, some anti-epileptic drugs can damage the developing heart. abnormal amniocentesis. This is abnormal amniotic fluid in the woman's uterus.
Ultrasound waves are used to examine the structure, function and rhythm of the fetal heart. When a diagnosis of congenital heart disease is made in a fetus counseling is provided on the implications for the pregnancy and the labor, and on the infant care and management. Close coordination with your obstetrician is guaranteed.
