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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Fetal Heart Scan: What You Need to Know
Introduction
A fetal heart scan, also known as a fetal echocardiogram, is a specialized ultrasound used to examine the structure and function of a baby's heart before birth. This test helps detect congenital heart defects (CHDs) early, allowing for better planning and management of care after birth.
Why Is a Fetal Heart Scan Needed?
A fetal echocardiogram is recommended if: - There is a family history of congenital heart defects. - The mother has certain medical conditions (such as diabetes, lupus, or phenylketonuria). - The mother has taken medications that may affect heart development (such as anti-seizure drugs or retinoic acid). - The standard prenatal ultrasound detected abnormalities in the baby’s heart or other organs. - The baby has a genetic disorder that increases the risk of heart defects.
How Is the Test Performed?
A fetal heart scan is performed using high-frequency ultrasound waves. It can be done in two ways: 1. Abdominal ultrasound: A probe is placed on the mother’s abdomen to visualize the baby’s heart. 2. Transvaginal ultrasound: Used in early pregnancy when clearer images are needed.
The procedure is painless and usually takes 30-60 minutes.
What Can the Test Detect?
A fetal echocardiogram can detect various congenital heart defects, including: - Septal defects (holes in the heart) - Hypoplastic heart syndrome (underdeveloped heart chambers) - Transposition of the great arteries (when major arteries are reversed) - Aortic or pulmonary stenosis (narrowing of heart valves) - Tetralogy of Fallot (a combination of four heart defects)
What Happens After the Scan?
If a heart defect is detected, your doctor will discuss the possible treatment options, including: - Monitoring and planning for specialized delivery care. - Medications to support heart function after birth. - Surgery or catheter-based procedures to correct the defect after birth. - In severe cases, expert neonatal and pediatric cardiac care will be arranged.
Conclusion
A fetal heart scan is an essential tool to ensure the best possible start for babies with potential heart conditions. Early detection improves outcomes and allows for better coordination of specialized care.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for the Management of Congenital Heart Disease
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000603
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30121240/
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects/about-congenital-heart-defects
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2021.09.010
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Fetal Cardiology
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
- https://www.asecho.org/guidelines-search/
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/publications/PREGN%20Guidelines-Pregnancy-FT.pdf
- https://www.aepc.org/uploads/page/doc/20/Recommendations%20FCWG%20WEB%20page.pdf
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39526698/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.