Fetal Echocardiography in Pune: An Overview
Fetal echocardiography, a specialized prenatal ultrasound, can provide doctors with a clear view of your developing baby’s heart. During this sonography the fetal medicine doctor can take a look at the shape and function of the developing fetal heart. The test, which is generally done between 20 to 24 weeks of pregnancy in the 2nd trimester, helps in the early detection and analysis of any fetal cardiac issues and offers vital information about the developing baby’s heart.
Fetal echocardiography makes use of high-frequency sound waves to provide distinctive pictures of the developing heart, which permits the early detection congenital heart defects (CHDs) and different cardiac anomalies. The chambers, valves, and blood arteries of the heart are all examined as a part of this assessment. The real-time processing capability of this scan enhances its diagnostic accuracy
Role of Fetal Echocardiography
Fetal echocardiography plays a crucial feature in prenatal care. It is an effective tool for fetal medicine specialists to assess the fetal heart and pick out any potential issues. Below is a short overview of its purposes:
- Early detection of congenital heart abnormalities: Prenatal prognosis of congenital heart defects (CHDs) can be done with the use of fetal echocardiography. Early identification allows physicians and parents to make informed decisions regarding the delivery, treatment options and interventions (if required).
- In-depth exam of the heart’s structure and function: A fetal echo allows for a much more complete examination of a baby’s heart than a standard ultrasound scan, which provides only a surface-level look. Doctors can examine the heart chambers, valves, walls and septa using echocardiography.
- Risk evaluation in some instances: Fetal echo may be used to evaluate risks for heart conditions in fetus with a family history of diabetes, lupus, infections, or congenital heart defects (CHDs).
- Heart health assessment: If a potential problem is detected early in pregnancy, doctors may suggest appropriate further course of management.
When is a Fetal Echo Recommended?
A fetal echo may be recommended by your doctor in several situations, such as:
- Family history of heart disorders: If you or your partner have a history of congenital heart defects in your family, fetal echo can help decide the baby’s risk of developing the condition.
- Abnormal ultrasound results: If the baby’s heart shows any worrying signs during a routine ultrasound, fetal echocardiography can provide a more accurate picture.
- Certain maternal issues: If the mother has diabetes, lupus, an infection, or some other medical issue during the pregnancy, a fetal echo may be advised.
- Advanced maternal age: Fetal echo may be recommended in instances of advanced maternal age (35 years or older) due to a slightly high risk of developing congenital heart issues.
- Previous baby with congenital heart disease
- Previous baby with any congenital structural abnormality.
- Pregnancies with assisted reproductive techniques like IVF pregnancies.
What to Expect During a Fetal Echocardiography in Pune?
Fetal echocardiography is generally done between 18 20 and 24 weeks of gestation. Here’s what you may expect:
- Preparation: For a clearer view of the baby’s heart,the baby has to be in a particular position like facing upwards. You can have your normal food prior to the ultrasound. Full bladder or empty stomach is not required.
- Procedure: You will lie on the exam table, as you would for a standard ultrasound. Using a lubricating gel, a transducer will be gently placed on your abdomen. It will transmit sound waves, causing an image of your baby’s heart to appear on the display screen. During the scan, you will get a detailed picture of the baby’s heart anatomy, arteries and blood flow.
- Results and Follow-Up: A fetal medicine expert will examine these images to determine if there are any anomalies.
Get Fetal Echocardiography in Pune – Consult Dr Tejas Tamhane
Prenatal fetal echocardiography gives critical details about the heart health of your unborn baby. Contact Dr. Tejas Tamhane, the best fetal medicine expert in Pune, in case you want to undergo fetal echocardiography in Pune. Dr. Tamhane is the most well-known fetal medicine specialist in Pune and has a wealth of practical expertise in the field.