Fetal Echo

Fetal Echocardiography, commonly known as a Fetal Echo, is a specialized ultrasound examination used to assess the structure and function of your baby's heart before birth.

While a routine pregnancy ultrasound includes an assessment of the fetal heart, fetal echocardiography provides a more detailed examination of the heart's chambers, valves, major blood vessels and blood-flow patterns.

The examination helps identify certain congenital heart abnormalities and provides important information for planning further assessment or care when needed.

A fetal echo is commonly performed between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, although it may be recommended earlier or later depending on the clinical situation.

Your doctor may recommend this examination if a routine scan raises concerns about the baby's heart, there is a relevant family history, or certain maternal or pregnancy-related risk factors are present.

The scan is generally performed over the abdomen using ultrasound. The doctor will explain the findings and advise whether further evaluation or follow-up is needed. Not every heart condition can be detected before birth.