Fetal Cardiology

A fetal echocardiogram is a specialized ultrasound test performed during pregnancy by the pediatric cardiology team to evaluate the heart of the unborn baby. The test is painless and normally takes less than an hour. As in routine ultrasound, gel is applied to the mother’s abdomen and the ultrasound transducer obtains images of the structures of the fetal heart. Like all ultrasounds, echocardiograms use sound waves to look at a fetus's developing heart. There is no radiation exposure and no known risk to the mother or baby.

Fetal echocardiography can help detect fetal heart abnormalities before birth. This makes it possible to prepare for medical or surgical intervention when the baby is born. Preparation improves the chance of a newborn's survival and lowers the rate of complications after delivery for babies with serious heart defects.

Every pregnancy does not require an echocardiogram. Routine prenatal ultrasound tests women receive from their OB/GYN provide information about whether the chambers of the fetal heart are developing normally. Further testing, including fetal echocardiography, might be necessary if:

• A routine ultrasound shows abnormal heart development or abnormal heart rhythm
• There is a family history of congenital heart disease
• Another abnormality is discovered in the fetus
• There is a concern for a genetic abnormality or syndrome in the fetus
• The mother has certain medical diagnoses such as diabetes, phenylketonuria, or a connective tissue disorder, or lupus
• Assisted reproduction technology such as in vitro fertilization
• Certain types of twin pregnancies (monochorionic)
• Fetal heart is not seen clearly on the obstetric anatomy scan

A congenital heart defect is a difference in the heart that a baby is born with. Congenital heart defects are more common than most people realize, occurring in 1 out of every 100 babies, and can range from mild (no treatment needed) to severe and life-threatening.

Once the diagnosis is made, members of your fetal cardiology team will meet with you to discuss the findings and explore options for treatment, which can include non-surgical and surgical interventions. Importantly, treatment can sometimes begin while your baby is still in the womb.

If needed, a pediatric heart surgeon will meet with you.

Most of the time, the womb’s protective environment allows the fetus to thrive until delivery and prenatal treatment is not needed. However, in rare instances, medical or surgical interventions may be needed to help. Should prenatal treatment be indicated, we will discuss these options closely with you to create the best plan for your baby.

Treatment options depend on each specific type of congenital heart defect. For mild forms, no treatment may ever be needed. Certain heart rhythm abnormalities may require medications. Other types of congenital heart defects may require procedures such as a heart cath and/or surgery to help the blood flow more efficiently through the heart.

Treatment options are specific to each individual child and therefore are tailored to their specific needs.

Receiving news of a potential difference in your baby’s heart can be a traumatic experience. We will work with your family to understand your needs and preferences and help your family navigate through this time. It is normal to find it difficult to take in this new information. We will follow up with you by phone and in person as many times are you need. Through the MyChart app, you can also have direct access to your care team. We are now part of the same team. You are not alone.

Each step of the way we will provide supportive and individualized care. We will provide you with local and national community resources and support groups. Support is also available from our Social Work and Child Life teams to help navigate potential questions such as: financial counseling, insurance, housing/transportation assistance, and/or how to help explain this diagnosis to other children at home.

Our mission to follow the healing mission of Christ includes providing these opportunities for our families and visitors as well as our patients.

Chapel and Healing Garden
This non-denominational chapel and outdoor healing garden is open 24 hours a day.

Pastoral Care
Our chaplains are specially trained to minister to the spiritual and emotional needs of patients and their family members. They are available 24 hours a day. To arrange for a visit, contact our Pastoral Care Department by asking your nurse, dialing “0” from your room phone or at the number below.

AdventHealth for Children
Chaplain's office: Call407-303-1553

Devotional Services
You can attend services any day at 10:30 am in the AdventHealth Orlando Chapel.