What is a fetal echocardiogram?

The fetal echocardiogram (or “echo”) is a specialized ultrasound (“sono”) examination of the unborn baby’s heart, and it is done after an abnormality is seen on routine OB ultrasound or when there is a suggestion in the family history that the pregnancy has an increased chance of having a heart problem.

The test itself is similar to a routine OB ultrasound. The mother lies comfortably on an examination bed while the ultrasound technician or the cardiologist moves a jelly covered ‘probe’ over the outside of her abdomen in the area of the baby’s heart. Often the patient needs to roll from side to side to gain a better angle of the baby’s heart or to keep up with the baby as he changes position inside. As desired images are achieved of the anatomy of the heart, its valves, and its vessels, the images are electronically recorded or, on older machines, printed on paper.

Blood flow is determined in the various parts of the heart and blood vessels by use of Doppler ultrasound technique, and these images contain patches of colors representing the direction and speed of blood flow. These images also are recorded for future study. Often short video clips, like movies, are made of the movement of valves, chambers, or Doppler bloodflow to demonstrate and record what is seen in "real time."

How long does it take?

Because of the numerous parts of the fetal echocardiogram, the test usually takes more time than a routine OB ultrasound. It is not unusual for them to take up to an hour to complete.

It is common to repeat fetal echocardiograms when they are not completely normal to follow the development of the heart and the bloodflow as the baby grows inside. As the heart grows, often it is possible to see abnormalities in greater detail and to gain useful information for care at the time of birth.

Where do we perform fetal echos?

Our pediatric cardiologists perform fetal echocardiograms at the main hospital and outpatient centers in:

When fetal echocardiograms are done by cardiologists from Children's Memorial, the mother receives a full discussion of what was seen and an interpretation of what problems may exist before she leaves the office. Reports are also sent to the obstetrical caregivers involved.

Scheduling an echocardiogram requires a doctor's order and can be arranged through the Institute for Fetal Health. Call 773.975.8782.