Fetal Echocardiography

It is generally performed between the 18th and 24th weeks of pregnancy. It is administered by perinatology or pediatric cardiology specialists to expectant mothers with a family history of congenital heart disease, those who conceived via IVF, those with gestational diabetes, or when a suspicious heart finding is detected during a routine ultrasound.

While a detailed ultrasound examines all of the baby's organs, fetal echocardiography focuses solely on the heart. The heart's rhythm, blood flow velocities, and vessel diameters are examined much more in-depth.

Whether the expectant mother is fasting or has eaten does not affect the procedure. Furthermore, because it does not involve radiation, it is completely harmless to the baby.