Thanks to modern technology, you and your healthcare team are better prepared for your baby's arrival. At UVA Health Children's, we offer non-invasive fetal echocardiograms, which includes 3D technology. It's an ultrasound available to high-risk mothers as early as 12 weeks into their pregnancy.
This allows us to get a detailed view of fetal heart chambers, valves, and major blood vessels to evaluate your baby's heart.
Benefits of A Fetal Echo
Fetal echocardiography can detect heart abnormalities before birth. This means faster medical or surgical intervention once your baby is born.
Babies with severe congenital heart defects have improved chances of survival when we can plan for their care as soon as they're born.
Will I Need an Echo?
Not every pregnant woman needs a fetal echo. But early prenatal diagnosis can help your medical team prepare for and manage problems after birth.
You may need an echo if:
- There's a family history of congenital heart disease
- You have taken medications that can cause congenital heart disease
- You have used alcohol or drugs during pregnancy
- You experienced rubella during pregnancy
- Prenatal ultrasounds identified other kidney, brain, or bone abnormalities
Once there’s a diagnosis, our healthcare team offers an entire program of support and follow-up care.