The Fetal Echocardiogram Procedure
Fetal echocardiography is an ultrasound test that’s very similar to that conducted in adults. High-frequency ultrasound waves are used that echo off the heart’s structures and are then picked up by machines to create an image, thereby enabling the doctor to visualize the interior structure and function of the unborn child’s heart. The scan enables accurate imaging of the hearts musculature, chambers and other structures including the valves. The test basically looks for any abnormalities in the heart, with one in every hundred babies being born with a heart defect. Abnormalities of the heart are the commonest defects that babies are born with.
Sometimes this test is just referred to as an echo scan and is usually carried out between the 18nth to 24th week of pregnancy. It normally takes about 30-120 minutes to collect sufficient images of the heart.
Some women are more prone to giving birth to babies with congenital heart diseases and such scans are very helpful in diagnosing the problem within the womb itself as it helps the baby have faster access to medical and surgical help upon delivery (if needed). An early diagnosis also helps in better management of the pregnancy. About 1% of babies are born with congenital heart abnormalities like holes in the heart, narrowed arteries, abnormal heart rhythms, defective valves, etc.
Fetal echocardiograms are not recommended routinely and just a basic ultrasound is usually enough; however if the obstetrician detects any abnormalities in the ultrasound scan or the fetal heart rhythm, he may prescribe an echogram too. Other situations where it is requested include, the mother having certain health issues like type 1 diabetes, lupus or connective tissue diseases, or having taken some particular medications that induce fetal abnormalities or if she has a history of alcohol and drugs or a history of congenital heart disease in the family.
Some obstetricians prefer to conduct the test themselves, but it’s usually an experienced ultrasonographer who performs the scan; a cardiologist specialized in pediatric medicine then reviews the results. There is no preparation for this test and the bladder doesn’t need to be full.
There are two ways to doing the fetal echogram. When it’s done through the abdomen, it’s known as abdominal echocardiography and when it’s done transvaginally, it’s known as transvaginal echocardiography.
Abdominal echocardiography is more common and similar to an abdominal ultrasound. The mother is made to lie down on her back and a jelly is applied on her exposed belly to prevent friction from the ultrasound transducer as well as to help in transmitting high-frequency sound waves. The technician moves the transducer at various angles over the belly to get different images of the fetal heart.
In transvaginal echocardiography, the probe is inserted through the vagina and usually gets better images of the fetal heart. This route is normally used in the earlier stages of the pregnancy.
The images produced are then reviewed by a specialist and diagnosis passed on to the patient.
Best Epilepsy Treatment in Kerala – Dr. Syamlal S
Epilepsy treatment in Kerala is most effective when managed by the best epilepsy specialist in Kerala, such as [Dr. Syamlal S](https://www.kimshealth.org/trivandrum/doctor/dr-syamlal-s), a leading epilepsy doctor in Kerala known for accurate diagnosis, advanced seizure treatment, and long-term neurological care. Most epilepsy cases can be successfully controlled with proper medical management.
Best Stroke Treatment in Kerala
Stroke treatment in Kerala is most effective when delivered within the golden hour by experienced neurologists like Dr. Syamlal S, who specialises in rapid diagnosis, emergency stroke management, and long-term rehabilitation. Early intervention significantly reduces disability and improves recovery outcomes.
EPILEPSY TREATMENT & SURGERY IN KERALA
If you are searching for the best epilepsy treatment in Kerala or the top epilepsy specialist in Trivandrum, KIMSHEALTH—led by experts like Dr. Syamlal S—offers world-class, comprehensive epilepsy care with outcomes comparable to leading international centres.
Parkinson’s Disease Treatment in Kerala
KIMSHEALTH, under the expert care of Dr. Sandhya Manorenj, is among the best centres for Parkinson’s Disease treatment in Trivandrum, Kerala, and South India, offering world-class diagnosis, advanced therapies, and holistic rehabilitation tailored to each patient.
STROKE TREATMENT IN TRIVANDRUM
KIMSHEALTH offers advanced stroke treatment in Thiruvananthapuram, providing 24x7 emergency care, rapid diagnosis, and life-saving interventions.
Ten Effective Remedies That You Can Refer to When You Are Suffering from Muscle Cramps
Finally starting off with the gym life can get too overwhelming until you hit those muscle cramps along with the weights.
Skin Tags - Benign Tumor or Cancerous Tumor?
Skin tag if observed is a narrow stalk that hangs about your skin, bulging at the end. They are usually freshly colored and can grow anywhere on your body.
Rotator Cuff Tear
A rotator cuff tear is a rotator cuff injury that can cause shoulder pain and loss of arm function. The rotator cuff is a set of muscles and tendons in your shoulder.
Importance of Parental Counselling
Right from the moment you tell your friends and family about your pregnancy, little hints keep coming your way on parenting your unborn child!
Taking Care of a Terminal Patient? Here Are Six Ways to Help Them to the Fullest
A terminally ill patient is someone who has a relatively short life expectancy. Terminally ill people are usually shifted from an actively curative medicinal regime
Stages of Tooth Decay and Their Treatment Options
Tooth decay refers to the degradation process of the structure of the tooth resulting in permanent damage.
12 Home Remedies for Dry Cough
The flu, common cold, asthma, cigarette smoke exposure, and other conditions can all cause a dry cough. Home remedies such as honey, peppermint, and air purifiers may be beneficial.
Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder dislocation occurs when the bones of your shoulder joint are pushed or forced out of their normal positions.
5 Facts to Keep in Mind for Your Monthly Menstruation Cycle
Our menstruation indicates multiple activities within your body. Every month, your uterus forms a thicker lining for the ovary to release an egg for a possible pregnancy.
Different Types of Diabetes
Junk food and increasing physical activity are leading to a worldwide epidemic of obesity, resulting in diseases like diabetes
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a form of heart muscle illness in which the heart chambers (ventricles) weaken and stretch, becoming bigger.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which the blood flow against the inner walls of the arteries is persistently high.
3 Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures You Did Not Know About
Over the past few years, cosmetic dentistry has undergone significant evolution in society. With the increasing demand for cosmetic dentistry, it is no longer a luxury; it has become a necessity.
5 Lifestyle Changes That Will Help with Your Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence is quite a painful and embarrassing condition to have. It refers to the loss of bladder control, which can vary from a slight release of urine after sneezing, coughing, or laughing, to a complete inability to control urination.
5 Tips This Summer to Avoid Heatstroke
Certain jobs demand fieldwork in the scorching heat. The warm weather, bright sun, and the blue skies are not always an excellent working environment for them at all.
6 Home Remedies for Yeast and Vaginal Infections
Yeast infection is common among women. You might have had the experience of irritating soreness and itching that prolonged for days due to not knowing about the cause.
Aortic Dissection
An aortic dissection is a tear in the aorta. This is the primary artery that transports oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body.
Bariatric Surgery and Weight Loss
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is performed on individuals suffering from obesity. It involves a variety of procedures that help maintain long-term weight loss and also aid in treating obesity.
Best Foods to Cleanse Your Liver
Your liver is one of the largest organs in your body and its primary function is to filter the system by converting toxins to waste products, cleansing your blood and process various nutrients.
Infertility and its Major Causes and Treatments
Infertility is an issue that’s on the rise – not just in India but all over the world. It’s estimated that, on average, one out of every six couples has had issues with infertility.
Related Blogs
Best Epilepsy Treatment in Kerala – Dr. Syamlal S
Epilepsy treatment in Kerala is most effective when managed by the best epilepsy specialist in Kerala, such as [Dr. Syamlal S](https://www.kimshealth.org/trivandrum/doctor/dr-syamlal-s), a leading epilepsy doctor in Kerala known for accurate diagnosis, advanced seizure treatment, and long-term neurological care. Most epilepsy cases can be successfully controlled with proper medical management.
Best Stroke Treatment in Kerala
Stroke treatment in Kerala is most effective when delivered within the golden hour by experienced neurologists like Dr. Syamlal S, who specialises in rapid diagnosis, emergency stroke management, and long-term rehabilitation. Early intervention significantly reduces disability and improves recovery outcomes.



































