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During pregnancy, the mother-to-be has various tests performed. Some are ordered only when there are specific indications. One of the specialized tests performed during pregnancy is the fetal heart echo. Find out when its performance is necessary in the diagnostic course and what the doctor can determine with its help.
What does a fetal heart echo look like?
A cardiac echo is a specialized ultrasound examination that provides an accurate and detailed assessment of the structure and function of the heart. It is performed not only on adults or children, but also on the fetus. Thanks to the detection of possible abnormalities, it is possible to plan treatment after birth or while still pregnant in the form of intrauterine procedures (which are currently taking place at Bielański Hospital in Warsaw, among others). Delivery of a child with a heart defect detected during pregnancy should take place in a center where specialized care and possible interventions are possible.
When should a fetal heart echo be performed?
Fetal heart echo is most often performed when there are risk factors for heart defects or abnormalities have been detected during previous ultrasound examinations. They are also recommended for women who are taking medications that can affect normal prenatal heart development. Indications for a fetal heart echo are also diabetes, autoimmune diseases in the pregnant woman or monochorionic twin pregnancies. If nuchal translucency was increased during the first trimester ultrasound or abnormal flow was found in the venous conduit or tricuspid valve, the mother-to-be should also be referred for a fetal heart echo.
Fetal heart echo – cost of the test
Fetal heart echoes are performed under the National Health Service when it is impossible to assess the fetal circulatory system during prenatal examinations, as well as in women at high risk of having a baby with a heart defect. Fetal heart echoes can also be performed privately. The cost of such a study varies between 400-500 zloty.
Who performs the fetal heart echo?
Not every gynecologist is involved in performing fetal heart echoes. Due to the nature of this test, it should be performed by experienced specialists. In case of abnormalities, the mother-to-be should be referred for a fetal heart echo by her doctor to specialized centers for detecting heart defects. Interestingly, fetal heart echo is not just the domain of obstetrician gynecologists, but also of pediatric cardiologists.
What can a fetal heart echo detect?
During a fetal heart echo, the structure and work of the heart and the chest image are evaluated. Heart defects and heart rhythm disturbances can be detected. Among those mentioned are:
- Aortic valve stenosis
- Pulmonary valve stenosis
- Superiority of the great arterial trunks
- Ventricular or interatrial septal defect
- Rupture of the aortic arch
- Stray right subclavian artery (ARSA)
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