FOETAL ECHOCARDIOGRAM

What is it
It is an ultrasound examination of the baby's heart in the mother's womb.

Why is it done?
It is done to detect any major malformation of the heart whenever there is high index of suspicion of, the yet to be born baby, suffering from life threatening heart disease. Examples being in feutus with extracardiac anomalies picked up on obstetric ultrasound, those with a history of CHD in family, maternal diabetes (especially insulin dependent), maternal connective tissue disorder etc. Ultrasound assessment of fetus, however, has a clear role in the diagnosis, monitoring and management of fetuses with sustained arrhythmias. Prenatal diagnosis of CHD helps in planning the optimal management of the baby e.g. a fetus with a ductus dependent lesion can be planned to be delivered in a tertiary care centre for stabilization and early initiation of prostaglandin therapy to avoid acidosis and organ damage. Future of fetal medicine lies in fetal cardiac surgery for which echocardiography will play a very important role.

How is it done?
It is done using ultrasound (Echocardiography).

When is it done?
It can be done after the 18-week gestation period.

How to avail
Contact a pediatric cardiologist at EHIRC, or contact appointments at..

Before
No pre requisites are required before the test.

After
One can collect the test results after two days treatment would be recommended on the basis of the results of the test.