The fetal echocardiogram is an imaging test that is usually requested during the prenatal period and is aimed at verifying the development, size and functioning of the fetal heart. Thus, it is able to identify some congenital diseases, such as pulmonary atresia, interatrial or interventricular communication, and to monitor the response to treatment in case of arrhythmias, for example. Find out what is congenital heart disease and the major types.
This test does not require preparation, it is usually indicated from the 18th week of gestation and is recommended for all pregnant women, especially those older than 35 years or who have a history of the congenital heart disease family.
The exam can cost between $ 130 and $ 400 depending on where it is performed and whether it is done with Doppler. However, it is made available by SUS and some health plans cover the exam.
How is done
The fetal echocardiogram is made in a similar way to ultrasound, however only the baby's heart structures, such as valves, arteries and veins, are visualized. Gel is applied to the belly of the pregnant woman who is spread with a device called a transducer, which emits waves that are processed, transformed into images and analyzed by the doctor.
From the result of the examination the doctor can indicate if everything is okay with regard to the baby's cardiovascular system or indicate some cardiac alteration, being able therefore, to determine if the treatment can be done still during the gestation or if it should be sent the pregnant woman to a hospital with adequate structure to perform surgical procedure in the fetus soon after birth.
To do the test does not need any preparation and usually lasts around 30 minutes. It is a painless examination that does not cause risk to the mother or the baby.
The fetal echocardiogram is not recommended before the 18th week of gestation, since the cardiovascular system is not very accurate due to the lack of maturation, nor at the end of gestation. In addition, the position, agitation and multiple gestation make it difficult to perform the exam.
Doppler fetal echocardiogram
Doppler fetal echocardiography, in addition to allowing visualization of the cardiac structures of the fetus, also allows the baby to hear the baby's heartbeat, so that the heartbeat is normal or if there is any indication of an arrhythmia, and can be treated during pregnancy. Understand what fetal doppler is for and how it works.
When to do
The fetal echocardiogram must be done together with other prenatal examinations and can be performed from the 18th week of gestation, which is the period of gestation in which it is already possible to hear the beats due to the greater maturation of the fetal cardiovascular system. See what happens at the 18th week of gestation.
In addition to being indicated in prenatal care, this test is indicated for pregnant women who:
- They have a family history of congenital heart diseases;
- Have had any infection that could compromise the development of the heart, such as toxoplasmosis and rubella, for example;
- They have diabetes, either pre-existing or acquired during pregnancy;
- They took some medication in the first weeks of gestation, like antidepressivos or anticonvulsivantes;
- They have more than 35 years, since from this age the risk of fetal malformations increases.
Fetal echocardiography is very important for all pregnant women because it is able to identify cardiac changes in the baby that can be treated during pregnancy soon after birth, avoiding more serious complications.
