Fetal echocardiography is a detailed ultrasound examination of the fetal heart performed by specialist sonographers and in consultation with a paediatric cardiologist when needed.  We use 2D images to examine the chambers and blood vessels of the heart; Doppler to check the valves; colour Doppler to examine the blood flow in the heart and blood vessels; 3D imaging to reconstruct multiple planes; and 4D imaging or cine looping to examine cardiac motion & function.

Heart abnormalities affect 1:100 babies. The vast majority of cardiac abnormalities (75%) can be detected at 20-22 weeks by sonographers trained in fetal cardiac scanning. We offer this scan as part of the routine 20-22 week scan, but especially recommend this scan for women with:

• a family history of heart abnormalities,
• previous baby affected by a heart abnormality,
• where increased nuchal translucency had been found at the 11-14 week scan.
• Maternal diabetes
• Fetal arrhythmia (abnormal cardiac rhythm)
• Maternal lupus
• A fetus with noncardiac abnormalities
• A fetus with a chromosomal abnormality