Fetal Echocardiography

Fetal echocardiography is a method where ultrasound is used to fully examine the heart of a fetus.

Fetal echocardiography reveals more than 90% of all congenital heart defects.

Anatomy of the heart of a fetus is studied throughout a pregnancy using ultrasound examination; if rhythm disturbances are revealed, the type of arrhythmia and its clinical significance are assessed. Fetal echocardiography has significant effect on newborns’ morbidity and mortality rates. The diagnosis made during pregnancy makes it possible to correctly plan treatment tactics and newborn’s follow-up (decision to initiate labor, selection of a place of delivery and the level of the medical institution, time of transfer to a specialized clinic, possible emergency manipulations, etc). When necessary, treatment of a fetus can be initiated before birth, it allows to maintain and prolong the pregnancy.

At the Jo Ann University Hospital, fetal echocardiography is performed and results are interpreted by experienced pediatric cardiologists. Parents are informed about all the details of their child’s condition, course of the disease, treatment methods and outcomes.

Technically, the procedure does not differ from a standard obstetric examination. It does not require any special preparation. Optimally echocardiography should be performed at week 18-22 of gestation, its average duration is 30-40 minutes.