Fetal echocardiography is a test similar to an ultrasound. This exam allows your doctor to better see the structure and function of your unborn child’s heart. It’s typically done in the second trimester, between weeks 18 to 24.
Fetal echo can help find heart defects before birth. If a heart problem can be found early, the more likely treatment will work. This is because:
Healthcare providers may be able to treat the problem before birth, in some cases.
Healthcare providers can get ready for problems that may happen during labor and delivery.
An early delivery can be scheduled.
Once the baby is born, treatment may be done. This might be medicine or surgery.
A fetal echocardiogram is done in a darkened room, while you are lying down. It is similar to a routine ultrasound during pregnancy. The gel put on your belly helps sounds waves travel from the echocardiogram wand (called the transducer) to the baby's heart and back again.
Purpose: In vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) is generally regarded as an indication for fetal echocardiography due to a reported increased risk of congenital abnormalities including cardiac anomalies.