Is it obligatory to perform fetal heart echo?

If so, what is the exact time? Dr. Saeed Bitarfan has answered these and other common questions in this article.

If so, what is the exact time? Dr. Saeed Bitarafan has answered these and other common questions in this article.

Fetal heart echo is not necessary for every pregnant woman. Prenatal ultrasound tests performed by an obstetrician can provide information about whether the fetus's heart is forming properly. Most fetuses do not need a fetal echocardiogram. Related information about fetal echocardiography for mothers The following are the most common reasons for performing a fetal echocardiogram:

- A routine prenatal ultrasound has discovered a possible arrhythmia in the baby - Family history of siblings or parents born with congenital heart diseases - a chromosomal or genetic abnormality has been discovered in the baby (eg, trisomy 13, 18 or 21, also known as Down syndrome) - Existence of extra fluids around the fetal organs (heart, skin, liver and lungs) - Diagnosis of abnormalities of multiple organs such as kidney, bones or brain - Certain types of twin pregnancies - Lung abnormalities, such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia or lung tumor - if the mother has taken certain medications that may cause congenital heart diseases; such as anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories (eg, ibuprofen, indomethacin) or medications prescribed for acne - If the mother used alcohol or drugs during pregnancy - If the mother has diabetes, lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, phenylketone urea or connective tissue disease - If the mother has measles during pregnancy

When is fetal heart echo performed?

Fetal heart echo is usually performed in the second trimester of pregnancy. which is usually between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. In rare circumstances, pediatric cardiologists can obtain images of the fetal heart as early as 13-11 weeks of pregnancy. However, if fetal echocardiography is performed early. Most likely, the mother will be asked. to do another echo to obtain more definitive images later in the pregnancy to confirm previous findings. If a gynecologist diagnoses a structural abnormality of the heart. The mother is referred to a pediatric cardiologist for an accurate diagnosis and further consultation. Following the fetal echocardiogram, the pediatric cardiologist will thoroughly review the findings with the family and determine whether further follow-up during pregnancy or postpartum is necessary.

If the fetal echocardiogram is normal, the mother is usually discharged from a cardiologist or, in some cases, the baby undergoes an echocardiogram after birth. When heart failure is diagnosed. As soon as the echo is finished, the pediatric cardiologist will explain the diagnosis and its implications in detail. In many cases, it is possible. The cardiologist will prepare additional images after the initial studies by the sonographer. Pediatric cardiologists often draw pictures to explain the importance of heart defects. It also gives explanations such as:

- needs immediate transfer to neonatal or cardiac intensive care unit after birth or not - Is there a need for heart surgery or not

including visiting additional specialists such as neonatologists, genetic counselors, heart surgeons, or pediatric cardiologists. To ensure that the baby is delivered in the correct and equipped center, as well as to obtain more information about heart surgery or other procedures that may be necessary after birth. will be explained. It is important to note that even if a normal fetal heart echo is performed, this test has inherent limitations. Because blood circulation in the fetus is different compared to after birth. ### Some limitations are: - Pulmonary venous malformation (also known as relative pulmonary venous return malformation) - Minor valvular abnormalities (including bilateral aortic valve) - Aortic arch What is the necessary preparation for fetal heart echo?

You don't need to do anything to prepare for an echo fetus Plan on testing for 30 minutes to 2 hours. ### What are the dangers of echo-fetus? Echo-fetus is not dangerous for the fetus and the mother. The lowest ultrasound settings are used.

How is fetal heart echo performed?

This test may be done using abdominal or vaginal ultrasound. ### 1- Abdominal ultrasound In abdominal ultrasound, gel is applied to the abdomen and the ultrasound transducer slides over the gel on the abdomen to create an image. ### 2- Transvaginal ultrasound In transvaginal ultrasound, a smaller ultrasound transducer is inserted into the vagina and placed behind the vagina to create an image. Transvaginal ultrasound produces a clearer image than abdominal ultrasound and is often used early in pregnancy. During the echo, the transducer probe is moved around to obtain images of different locations and structures of the fetal heart. Techniques that are sometimes used to obtain detailed information about the fetal heart include: ### **two-dimensional or 2D echocardiography** This method is used to "see" the actual structures and movement of the heart structures. The 2D echo view is seen on the monitor as a cone and the real-time movement of the heart structures can be seen. This possibility enables the doctor to observe and evaluate the different structures of the heart at work. ### **Doppler echocardiography** This Doppler method is used to measure and evaluate blood flow through the chambers and valves of the heart. The amount of blood pumping with each heart beat is an indication of the heart's function. Also, Doppler can detect abnormal blood flow in the heart, which can indicate such problems as an opening between the chambers of the heart, a problem with one or more of the four heart valves, or a problem with the heart wall. ### **Color Doppler** Color Doppler is an enhanced form of Doppler echocardiography. With color Doppler, different colors are used to determine the direction of blood flow. This simplifies the interpretation of Doppler images.

What happens after the fetal heart echo?

Your healthcare provider will review the results. He or she may order additional tests or procedures. They may include the following: ### **Treatment:** This may be medication or procedures to treat fetal heart problems. ### **Fetal health evaluations.** To check the overall health of the fetus, you may be asked to count the movements of the fetus. ### **Stress test.** This checks the heart rate and movement of the fetus. ### **Biophysical characteristics (BPP).** This is an ultrasound test to check the overall health of the fetus. It checks heart rate, breathing, movement, muscle tone and the amount of amniotic fluid. ### **Ultrasound or fetal heart echo again.** These are the tests that are done to confirm the diagnosis. They also monitor fetal growth, observe fetal heart changes, and check for other problems. ### **Amniocentesis.** This test can detect chromosomal and genetic disorders and some birth defects. The healthcare provider inserts a needle through the abdominal wall and uterus and into the amniotic sac. He takes a sample of the amniotic fluid. ### **Genetic counseling.** A counselor can help you learn about the risks of having a child with genetic defects. **Dr. Saeed Bitarafan, specialist in fetal and pediatric cardiology** You can use the following articles to read more.

https://www.healthline.com/health/fetal-echocardiography https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects/symptoms–diagnosis-of-congenital-heart-defects/fetal-echocardiogram-test https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetal\_echocardiography