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Fetal Echo Test in Bhubaneswar

Fetal Echo Studies

Fetal Echo Test in Bhubaneswar

An extensive ultrasound examination of the developing baby's heart done during pregnancy is called foetal echocardiography. Fetal echo test in Bhubaneswar aids in the prenatal diagnosis and surveillance of congenital cardiac anomalies and other cardiac disorders.

Foetal echo studies involve using high-resolution ultrasound technology to create detailed images of the foetal heart. This non-invasive procedure allows our cardiologists to evaluate the structure and function of the heart, check for any abnormalities, and assess blood flow within the heart and major vessels. It is typically recommended when there is a family history of heart disease if initial ultrasound findings suggest potential issues, or if the mother has certain medical conditions that may affect the baby’s heart.

FAQ's

A fetal echocardiogram (echo) is an ultrasound test that uses sound waves to examine your baby's heart as it develops. This specialized imaging helps detect any potential cardiac issues before birth. Early detection of heart conditions can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment. In some cases, healthcare professionals might even be able to address certain conditions before birth, enhancing the overall outcome for your baby.

Healthcare professionals prescribe foetal echocardiography in the following cases: 

  • Family history of hereditary cardiac issues. 

  • A genetic issue was discovered in the foetus.

  • You are using medications that can cause congenital cardiac abnormalities. These include medications for epilepsy, depression, and acne. They also include NSAIDs and blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors). 

  • You overused alcohol or drugs while pregnant. 

  • You have certain health conditions, such as diabetes, lupus, or phenylketonuria. 

  • You suffered some infections during your pregnancy. These include rubella (German measles) and CMV. 

  • If previous tests showed abnormalities or if fetal ultrasonography indicated potential issues.

  • You conceived with assisted reproductive technologies. 

  • During the exam, your baby's heart rate was found to be abnormally fast, slow, or irregular.

  • You got pregnant at an advanced age.

No special preparation is usually required. It may help to drink plenty of water before the exam to ensure a full bladder, which can improve imaging quality. Your doctor will provide specific instructions if needed.

 

A properly trained ultrasound sonographer normally performs the test, and the findings are analysed by a paediatric cardiologist with expertise in congenital cardiac disease. 

Foetal echocardiograms can be performed in two ways: 

  • Abdominal ultrasound: This is the most common type of ultrasound used to examine a baby's heart. A gel is applied to the woman's abdomen, the ultrasound probe is gently placed on it, and images are obtained. This test is painless and poses no risk to the foetus. The examination takes between 45 and 120 minutes, depending on the intricacy of the foetal heart.

  • Endovaginal ultrasounds: This method is often used early in pregnancy. A small ultrasound transducer is inserted into the vagina and positioned against the back of the vaginal wall to capture images of the fetal heart.

 

Echocardiography is performed by various specialized healthcare professionals, including cardiac sonographers, who use ultrasound equipment to capture heart images; cardiologists, who may perform or review echocardiograms and provide diagnoses; obstetricians, who may conduct fetal echocardiography or refer patients to specialists; and radiologists, particularly those with expertise in cardiovascular imaging, who also perform and interpret these tests. These experts collaborate to ensure accurate imaging and diagnosis of heart conditions.

The ideal time for a foetal echocardiogram is typically between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, during the second trimester. During this time, the baby's developing heart can be clearly seen, and any possible cardiac problems can be detected early on. As your baby's bones mature in the third trimester, it may become harder to see their heart on a foetal echo. In certain cases, such as when there is a family history of heart disease or abnormalities found in other testing, your healthcare professional may suggest a different time for the procedure depending on the specifics of your case.

Some anomalies are undetectable prenatally, even with a comprehensive foetal echocardiography. These include pulmonary venous anomalies, aortic coarctation, tiny perforations, and minor valve defects. Furthermore, certain heart abnormalities do not appear until after the infant is born.

An ultrasound and a foetal echocardiogram employ the same technology but analyse a baby's heart in distinct ways. While a general ultrasound provides a broader view of the baby and can assess overall development, a fetal echocardiogram focuses specifically on the heart. It allows a paediatric cardiologist to observe the structure and function of the heart, including its chambers, valves, arteries, and blood vessels.

A comprehensive foetal echo reveals the full anatomy of the foetal heart. We can use it to evaluate heart function and detect normal or abnormal cardiac rhythms. 

The procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the fetal heart and the need for detailed imaging.

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