Fetal Echocardiography
Fetal Echocardiography Let’s Know Your Baby’s Heart
During pregnancy, you will undergo many different tests and examinations. One of these tests is Fetal Echocardiography, which your doctor recommends, especially if he or she thinks that you need more detailed information about your baby’s heart. So, what exactly is this test and why is it so important? Let’s take a look at it together.
What is Fetal Echocardiography?
Fetal echocardiography is a special type of ultrasound that examines your baby’s heart in detail during pregnancy. While a standard ultrasound looks at the general anatomical structure of the baby, fetal echocardiography examines the baby’s heart and the vessels coming to and going from the heart in detail.
Who is it recommended for?
Although it is not a routine test for every pregnant woman, some risk factors may recommend this test. For example
– Family history of congenital heart disease
– Previous children of the pregnant woman or father have heart defects
– Mother is older than 35 years of age
– A suspicious finding related to the heart in scans performed in the first months of pregnancy
– The mother took certain medicines or had certain infections during pregnancy
Why is it so important?
By detecting potential heart problems before birth, this test can help you create the best birth and postnatal care plan for your baby. Early detection is critical for more successful management of heart problems.
How is this process done and how long does it take?
Fetal echocardiography, like a routine ultrasound, is performed through the abdomen of the pregnant woman. The procedure usually takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour, but this can vary depending on the position of the baby and the details being examined.
What to do with the results?
If any abnormalities are detected during the test, these findings will be evaluated by a specialist cardiologist or perinatologist. If necessary, a postnatal treatment and follow-up plan can be developed.
Conclusion
Fetal echocardiography is a test that examines the heart health of babies before birth, providing critical information to families and doctors. If your doctor recommends this test, taking this test is an important step to ensure that your baby receives the best care.
We wish you a healthy and peaceful pregnancy!