With the inauguration of the much needed fetal Cardiac clinic on the 16 th of January, 2010, FCRF continues in its march towards excellence in Fetal Care. It was indeed a memorable day, when Dr. I.C. Verma, one of the most experienced Geneticists of India, inaugurated the clinic.
We coordinate with the obstetrician, neonatologists and paediatric cardiologist to ensure comprehensive and directed care for babies with correctable cardiac problems.
Fetal echocardiography is a test that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to evaluate the baby's heart for problems before birth.
1. How the Test is Performed?
Fetal echocardiography is a test that is done while the baby is sll in the womb. It is usually done
during the second trimester of pregnancy, when the woman is about 16 – 22 weeks pregnant. The
procedure is similar to that of a pregnancy ultrasound. You will lie down for the procedure. The test
can be performed on your belly (abdominal ultrasound) or through your vagina (transvaginal
ultrasound).
In an abdominal ultrasound, the person performing the test places a clear, water-based gel on your
belly and then moves a hand-held probe over the area. The probe sends out sound waves, which
bounce off the baby's heart and create a picture of the heart on a computer screen. In a
transvaginal ultrasound, a much smaller probe is placed into the vagina. A transvaginal ultrasound
can be done earlier in the pregnancy and produces a clearer image than an abdominal ultrasound.
2. What is the best gestaon period to do Fetal echo?
3. How to Prepare for the Test?
No special preparaon is needed for this test
4. How the Test Will Feel?
The conducng gel may feel slightly cold and wet. You will not feel the ultrasound waves.
5. Why the Test is Performed?
This test is done to detect a heart problem before the baby is born. It can provide a more detailed image of the baby's heart than a regular pregnancy ultrasound.
6. What it can show?
7. When do I get the report?
Usually the report will be ready by the next day. For certain condions which need to be discussed
in the team, the reporng may be delayed by 48-72 hours.
8. Normal Results
The echocardiogram finds no problems in the fetal heart relevant to that gestaonal period.
9. What Abnormal Results Mean?
Abnormal results may be due to:
10. Risks
There are no known risks to the mother or fetus.
11. What defects cannot be detected?
Some heart defects cannot be seen before birth, even with fetal echocardiography. These include
small holes in the heart or mild valve problems. Somemes it may not be possible to see every part
of the blood vessels leading out of the baby's heart. Certain diseases may evolve during
pregnancy (eg: heart muscle disease, valve narrowing/leak) and may not be seen at the scanning
me.
Note:
Cardiac diseases in the Fetus – (screening from 12 weeks, Echo from 18 to 20 weeks)
All major heart problems (except the evolving / small defects) can be seen. At times certain defects can be missed if the sound wave penetration or the baby's position is unfavorable. But these defects are usually not complex ones and can be detected and treated after birth.
You can consult a pediatric cardiac specialist and get information about the defect, its nature, outcome and available treatment options.
Structural heart defects dont correct spontaneosly before birth. Few function abnormalities due to other reasons may improve. Certain small holes may close after birth by themselves.
a. Before birth: (in our center)
b. After birth: (will be referred to a tertiary cardiac center)
Depending on the type of problem the following can be done:
No. No harm proven so far.
As of now not possible. The chances of the next child getting the same disease can be tested by available genetic, chromosomal tests or by consulting our Genetic specialist. Testing can be done by drawing the fluid surrounding the baby and sending for analysis (amniocentesis).
You need to discuss with your treating Obstertrician with our reports regarding the legal and medical implications of this action.
Attend pre-pregnancy counselling in the counselling department. Our geneticist can guide to accordingly. Get early first trimester scanning done ( 11-13 weeks) and Fetal echo done at 14-16 weeks of pregnancy.
