How is a fetal echocardiogram done?
The test is typically performed by a specially trained ultrasound sonographer and the images are interpreted by a pediatric cardiologist who specializes in fetal congenital heart disease. Some maternal-fetal medicine specialists (perinatologist) also perform fetal echocardiograms. A limited evaluation of the fetal heart is possible during regular obstetric scanning and is appropriate for women at low risk. However, women who have one of the risk factors listed above should have a detailed fetal echocardiogram performed by a physician who is specially trained in fetal cardiac evaluation. There are two ways to perform a fetal echocardiogram: • Abdominal ultrasound: this is the most common form of ultrasound to evaluate the baby’s heart. There is gel applied to the mother’s abdomen, the ultrasound probe is gently placed on the mother’s abdomen and pictures are taken. This test is not painful and causes no harm to the baby. The test takes an average of 45–120 minutes depending on the compl
