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Fetal Medicine - Fetal Echo Studies in Mukundapur

Fetal Echo Studies

Fetal Echo Studies in Mukundapur

Foetal Echo Studies in Mukundapur, Kolkata, offers a specialised ultrasound technique to visualise the structure and function of your unborn child’s heart. This non-invasive exam uses sound waves that echo off the structures of the foetal heart. A machine analyses these sound waves and creates a detailed picture of the heart’s interior. This provides information for your doctor to assess how your baby’s heart formed and if it is functioning properly. It also enables the foetal heart specialists to see the blood flow through the foetal heart and detect any abnormalities in the heartbeat or blood circulation.

Foetal Echocardiography is a safe and well-tolerated procedure usually performed as a standalone test or part of a comprehensive foetal anatomy scan. This scan assesses the foetus for various anatomical abnormalities, including congenital heart defects. Foetal Echo Studies are an important component of prenatal care, helping to detect serious health problems in the baby early on.

FAQ's

All pregnant women do not require a Foetal Echocardiogram. A Foetal Echocardiogram may be recommended if:

  • You have a child with a heart defect.
  • There is a family history of genetic heart problems in either a parent or sibling of the foetus
  • A genetic problem has been detected in the foetus.
  • In-vitro fertilisation pregnancies
  • Twin, triplet, or multiple foetus pregnancies
  • You are taking certain medications known to cause congenital heart defects, such as some seizure or acne medications.
  • You have taken alcohol or drugs while pregnant.
  • You have health conditions such as diabetes, lupus, or phenylketonuria.

Foetal Echocardiography poses no risks to either the foetus or the mother. The procedure uses the lowest possible ultrasound settings.

The ideal time for a Foetal Echo is between 18 to 24 weeks of gestation. During this period, the foetal heart is large enough to be clearly visualised on an ultrasound.

A Foetal Echocardiogram is performed by a paediatric cardiologist, maternal-foetal medicine specialist, obstetrician, or radiologist. The steps include:

  • You will lie on an exam table without needing to change clothes.

  • The gel will be applied to your belly.

  • An electronic device called a transducer will be moved over your belly to get the best images of the fetal heart. You may feel some pressure as the transducer moves.

  • After the examination, the gel will be cleaned off.

In some early pregnancies, an Endo-vaginal Echocardiogram may be used. This involves inserting a small probe into the vagina instead of putting it on the belly. This type of echocardiography is usually performed in the earlier stages of pregnancy. It may result in a clearer view of the heart of the foetus.

A normal heart rate in the foetus around 20 weeks is between 120 and 180 beats per minute. There can be slight variation in the heart rate, which can be on a little higher or lower side. Any issues with the heart rate are termed arrhythmias.

Some babies may develop foetal tachycardia, an abnormally fast heart rhythm that can cause difficulties for the heart to keep up with the rhythm. If this condition persists for long, the baby can develop cardiac ailments like supraventricular tachycardia, atrial flutter, or ventricular tachycardia.

Bradycardia, a slow heart rate in babies, can be caused by several maternal or foetal conditions. The baby may be susceptible to an AV block or a partial or complete heart block. Your paediatric cardiologist will carefully examine if the baby has arrhythmia and will carefully choose the treatment option suitable for the baby.

After the procedure, you will meet with a foetal cardiologist to discuss the results. If the heart anatomy is normal, this will be a reassuring conversation. If any heart disease is detected, the cardiologist will provide a detailed explanation, prognosis, and outline of treatment options. Additional tests or treatments might be recommended, such as:

  • Medication or procedures to treat foetal heart problems.

  • Foetal wellness assessments, including monitoring foetal movements.

  • Nonstress tests are used to check foetal heart rate and movement.

  • Biophysical profiles (BPP) are used to assess overall foetal health. This test evaluates heart rate, breathing, movement, muscle tone, and the quantity of amniotic fluid.

  • Follow-up ultrasounds or echocardiography to confirm the diagnosis. They are also done to monitor foetal growth and heart changes.

  • Amniocentesis is used to detect chromosomal and genetic disorders. The healthcare provider inserts a needle through the abdominal and uterine walls into the amniotic sac. Then they take a sample of amniotic fluid. 

  • Genetic counselling to understand the risks of having a baby with genetic defects.

We understand that this can be an extremely difficult situation for parents, and we are dedicated to being as transparent and compassionate as possible.

A prenatal diagnosis allows for better management of the pregnancy and preparation for delivery. Results from this procedure will enable you and your healthcare provider to plan treatments your baby may require after delivery, like correctional surgery. This also enables the paediatric cardiology team to plan for immediate care after birth, which can improve health outcomes for the baby.

Babies diagnosed prenatally with heart disease often receive timely and appropriate care, reducing the severity of the illness and improving survival rates. In addition, you can also receive the necessary support and counselling to help you make the right decisions during the remainder of your pregnancy journey.

At Manipal Hospitals, all Foetal Echocardiograms are conducted by specially trained paediatric cardiologists and cardiac sonographers. We maintain the highest standards for the quality of our work. A nurse coordinator will assist you in arranging your appointment and guide you through your visit. Your results will be reviewed by our foetal medicine specialists, ensuring you receive comprehensive and compassionate care.

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