If your doctor is concerned your baby may have a heart problem, our team can help.
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What is a fetal echo?
A fetal echo is an ultrasound, just like the one you get at your obstetrician's office. A fetal echo shows your baby's heart in detail. The heart structure is best seen at 18 to 22 weeks into the pregnancy.
What does a fetal echo do?
- Checks your baby's heart structure, rhythm and function
- Helps make sure the heart problem does not get worse
- Checks to see your baby is growing and developing well
If a serious heart defect is diagnosed with a fetal echo, more testing may be needed.
What if my baby has a heart defect?
Congenital (from birth) heart defects can affect one in every 100 babies. You may need help from our team if you have:
- An ultrasound that shows something that is not normal
- Parents or siblings with a history of heart problems
- A baby with a defect in another major organ
- A medical condition, such as diabetes
- Been exposed to viral infections, certain medicines, drugs or alcohol
Specialists for your child
If we find a heart defect, we can alert other specialists, such as:
- Pediatric cardiologist--specializes in a child's heart and gives advice about the outlook and therapeutic options for your child's heart condition
- Pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon--specializes in heart surgery for babies and children
- Geneticist--evaluates, examines, diagnoses and treats genetic diseases and conditions
- Genetic counselor--discusses family history screening and the risk for future pregnancies or other family members
- Neonatologist--cares for premature infants or those who are critically ill
- Obstetrician--advises you about the management of your pregnancy and delivery
- Perinatologist--specializes in high-risk pregnancies
- Social worker--works with patients and families to provide support and reduce stress