Pregnancy

FETAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Doppler ultrasound shows blood-flow through blood vessels of the baby. Detailed examination of the fetal heart is performed by a consultant fetal cardiologist.

Some groups of pregnant women are recognised to be at increased risk for heart problems in their fetus.

These groups include:

• Family history of congenital heart disease

• Increased nuchal translucency above the 95th centile

• Maternal diabetes mellitus

• Mothers taking teratogenic drugs, i.e. anticonvulsants

• Abnormal or sub-optimal cardiac views on a routine anomaly scan.

Measuring the blood flow through the Ductus Venosus, a blood vessel going to the fetal heart. Parents may value fetal echocardiography to provide reassurance of normality even in the absence of other risk factors.

Scans are usually performed at 18-23 weeks gestation, but can be undertaken from as early as 14 weeks gestation if required.

If an abnormality is found, parents will receive a detailed explanation and prognosis of the cardiac condition and further investigation and management will be planned as appropriate.

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