Pregnancy is filled with joy, anticipation, and sometimes — a few extra scans. One such scan that might come up is the fetal echo, and it can sound a little intimidating at first. But don’t worry — let’s break it down together.
What is a Fetal Echo?
A fetal echocardiography (or fetal echo) is a specialised ultrasound scan that focuses on giving a detailed look at the baby’s heart while still in the womb.
Think of it like zooming in with a high-definition camera to see the heart’s tiny chambers, valves, and blood flow — all in real-time.
Unlike routine scans, this one looks only at the baby’s heart to check how it’s developing.
When Do We Do It ?
Doctors don’t recommend fetal echo for everyone.
They suggest it only when they see a medical reason to examine the baby’s heart more closely.
We usually do the scan between 18 to 24 weeks of pregnancy — when the heart has developed enough to show clear details.
Why Might You Need a Fetal Echo?
Here are some simple reasons why your doctor might suggest a fetal echo:
- Someone in the family has a history of heart problems (either parent or a previous child)
- The first trimester scan shows increased nuchal translucency (in NT scan)
- The baby’s heart rhythm seems unusual during a routine check-up
- The mother has conditions like diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or certain infections
- The mother took specific medicines during early pregnancy that might affect the baby’s heart
- The routine anomaly scan raises concern about the heart
- The baby shows other structural changes or genetic risks
Even if everything looks fine, a fetal medicine specialist may still recommend the scan just to be sure.
What Should You Expect During the Scan?
Here’s where patience — and a bit of luck — come in!
- The specialist performs the scan through the mother’s abdomen, just like a regular ultrasound.
- The scan usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, sometimes a bit more.
- The biggest factor is the baby’s position. We need the baby to turn in just the right direction to get a good look at the heart.
- If the baby isn’t in a great position, we might take longer — or ask you to come back another time.
- We may ask the mother to walk around, drink water, or change positions to help the baby move.
- This scan doesn’t involve any pain, injections, or risks — it’s completely safe for both mother and baby.
Good to know: If the baby is in a perfect position — with the chest facing the probe and hands away from the chest — and we don’t find any abnormalities, we can finish the scan in just 10 minutes!
So, bring your patience, maybe some good music, and a bit of humor — while we try to catch that perfect view of your baby’s tiny, beating heart.
Final Thoughts
Fetal echo is a wonderful example of how far technology has come — allowing us to see, understand, and act early if needed. If your doctor recommends it, it’s to ensure your baby’s heart is strong and healthy from the very start.
Got questions about the scan? Don’t hesitate to ask your fetal medicine specialist — that’s what we’re here for.
