Pregnancy Fetal Echo Ultrasound Scan

Quick snapshot: what the scan checks

• Size, shape, and structure of the fetal heart
• Valve motion and blood-flow patterns
• Heart rhythm and rate for arrhythmias

Why Cadabams Diagnostics is trusted for fetal echo

• Accredited sonographers specialized in fetal cardiology
• 3-D/4-D and Doppler technology for razor-sharp images
• Same-day preliminary report to reduce waiting stress

Definition & technology used

A Pregnancy Fetal Echo Ultrasound Scan uses high-frequency sound waves—no radiation—to create real-time pictures of your baby’s heart. The scan is performed trans-abdominally, just like a routine ultrasound.

Difference between regular ultrasound and fetal echo

1. 2-D fetal echo – Standard grayscale imaging
2. 3-D/4-D fetal echo – Adds depth and live motion
3. Doppler fetal echocardiography – Measures blood-flow velocity and direction

• Heart chambers: size & symmetry
• Valves: structure & function
• Blood-flow patterns: direction & velocity
• Heart rhythm & rate: early arrhythmia detection

• Screen for congenital heart defects
• Monitor known cardiac anomalies
• Reassurance for at-risk pregnancies

• Ideal gestational age: 18–24 weeks
• High-risk mothers:
• Pre-existing diabetes
• Family history of congenital heart disease (CHD)
• Abnormal routine scan findings that flag possible cardiac issues

• Early detection enables treatment planning before birth
• Reduces anxiety with clear, real-time images
• Guides delivery & neonatal care decisions, including hospital selection and pediatric cardiologist involvement

• Septal defects – ASD, VSD
• Valve stenosis or atresia
• Tetralogy of Fallot
• Arrhythmias – bradycardia, tachycardia, ectopic beats

• Wear loose two-piece clothing for easy abdominal access
• Moderately full bladder improves image quality
• Bring previous scan reports for comparison

• Doctor’s prescription (mandatory)
• Valid ID & medical records
• Fasting not required – eat normally

• Optimal window: 18–24 weeks gestation
• Earlier or later scans ordered if clinically indicated

• Pregnant women at 18+ weeks
• High-risk cases referred by OB/GYN
• No upper gestational cut-off for emergency scan

1. Step 1: Check-in & ID verification
2. Step 2: Lie back; gel applied to abdomen
3. Step 3: 20–45 min of detailed imaging
4. Step 4: Immediate preliminary feedback from sonographer

• Inform sonographer of allergies to ultrasound gel
• Mention twin or multiple pregnancies for adjusted protocol
• Avoid caffeine 2 hrs prior to keep baby calm for clearer images

No radiation, minimal risk

Ultrasound is non-invasive and harmless for both mother and baby.

Limitations:

• Maternal obesity may reduce image clarity
• Fetal position can obscure certain views
• Follow-up scans sometimes needed for optimal assessment