What is Fetal Echocardiography?
Fetal echocardiography, commonly called Fetal Echo, is a specialised, non-invasive ultrasound examination used to evaluate the structure and function of a baby’s heart during pregnancy. It provides a detailed assessment of the fetal heart, including the four chambers, outflow tracts, major blood vessels, heart rhythm and blood flow.
Why is Fetal Echo Important Around 23 Weeks?
Around 22–24 weeks of pregnancy, the fetal heart is sufficiently developed and can be examined in considerable detail. A fetal echocardiogram at around the 23rd week can help identify certain congenital heart abnormalities early, allowing parents and the medical team to understand the condition and plan appropriate antenatal care and delivery when required.
Who May Benefit from a Fetal Echo?
Fetal Echo may be advised when there is a suspected abnormality on a routine ultrasound, a family history of congenital heart disease, certain maternal medical conditions, abnormal fetal heart rhythm, or other pregnancy-related risk factors. Your obstetrician or fetal-medicine specialist can determine whether a detailed fetal cardiac assessment is appropriate for your pregnancy.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Fetal echocardiography is performed using ultrasound. A probe is gently moved over the mother's abdomen to obtain detailed images of the baby's heart. Different views are obtained to assess the heart chambers, valves, major vessels and blood flow. The examination is generally painless and does not require any invasive procedure.
What Can Fetal Echo Help Detect?
A detailed fetal cardiac assessment can help identify several structural and functional abnormalities of the fetal heart. Early recognition can provide valuable information for counselling, pregnancy monitoring and planning appropriate care after delivery.
Is Fetal Echo Safe?
Fetal echocardiography uses ultrasound waves and is non-invasive. When performed by a trained specialist for appropriate medical indications, it is considered a safe diagnostic examination during pregnancy.
Meet Our Specialist
Dr. Ashwin
Senior Radiology Consultant
MBBS, MD (Radiology), DNB (Radiodiagnosis), FRCR (UK)
Fellowship in Fetal Medicine
At ASCAS Fertility & Women’s Centre, fetal imaging is approached with a combination of specialist expertise, structured evaluation and personal attention, helping expectant parents understand their baby’s development with greater clarity and confidence.
Why Choose Fetal Echo at ASCAS?
Doctor-Led • Structured Systems • Personal Touch
A detailed fetal cardiac assessment is more than simply obtaining an ultrasound image—it is about carefully evaluating the developing heart and communicating the findings clearly to the parents and treating team.
Take the Next Step for Your Baby’s Heart
Every heartbeat tells a story. Let’s look closer, understand better and care with confidence.
Book Your consultation Today
📞 +91 93425 21779
ASCAS Fertility & Women’s Centre
14 Arunachalam Road, Next to VB World, Saligramam (Vadapalani), Chennai – 600093.
