Fetal Echocardiography is the science that, through the use of ultrasound, allows us to diagnose most of the disorders of the baby’s cardiovascular system while still in the womb. Using a safe ultrasound, similar to those performed in pregnant women during obstetrician monitoring, but focusing in the baby’s heart, it is possible to make a diagnosis and often the prognosis of the most common congenital anomaly: heart disorders.

From 18-20 weeks of gestation onwards, we can glimpse many parts of the heart with some effectiveness, although it is not possible to rule out 100% of cardiac disorders due to the peculiarities of the physiology of the heart’s circulation within the womb.

Usually it is the gynecologist who refers moms to us so that they have a more detailed exam of the heart when an anomaly is observed in the second obstetric ultrasound. There are multiple criteria for referral, which include, for example, family history of heart diseases, increased nuchal translucency (known as nuchal fold), diabetes or maternal lupus, or even maternal age older than 35 years if a genetic study of the baby has not been carried out.

In these pages you will find articles related to this topic and a contact page where you may ask any questions you have. Of course I am available at my pediatric cardiology and fetal echocardiography practice when you need to refine/rule out any cardiac disorder before birth (and later, of course), as well as prenatal support or advice in relation to the baby’s heart.