Fetal Echocardiogram

crizz13 · May 2014

I just had my 14 week appointment with my OB and she let me know that because of family history, she wants us to schedule a fetal echocardiogram for around week 20. I'm not shocked by this advice, but I'm wondering if anyone on here has any experience with this procedure... how does it work? How long are you there for? Pros? Cons?

Maelara · May 2014

I know nothing about this but I just wanted to wish you luck!

crizz13 · May 2014

@Maelara Thanks! I'm a bit nervous...

runningmama14 · May 2014

I don't have experience, but since an echo is just an ultrasound of the heart, I can't imagine it's a scary procedure, other than just scary to think about what they might find! I would guess it's just an extended ultrasound with a very high tech machine and a specially trained tech or doctor.

xiaopeapod · May 2014

I have no experience here either but also want to wish you the best of luck!!

tinkerbell1658 · May 2014

I had to have a level 2 ultrasound because my ds had an echogenic focus. Its calcium on/ in the heart ..... its been a while and my mom had just passed away so its a lil blurry. Anyway it was like a regular ultrasound but i had to be really still and there wasnt a monitor to look at him. I dont think they gave me a pic, it was very....sterile...i cant think of a better word, not personal? Maybe itll be close to that

Edit: words are hard

Kristil2014 · May 2014

I don't have any experience with something like this either. But I want to wish you luck.

lisaren · May 2014

I imagine this is scary to think about. Hugs.

Can I ask what the history is?
Please keep us posted

crizz13 · May 2014

Thanks everyone - I have an 18 week anatomy scan scheduled but then have to do the echo at 20 weeks in addition.

Both of my siblings and my niece have congenital heart defects which were discovered shortly after birth (involving the aorta, aortic valve, and ventricles). The echo has to be done at a nearby Children's Hospital....so I'm thinking/hoping that it's going to be a really high tech ultrasound performed by a doctor as opposed to a tech.

I'll keep you all posted. Hopefully it will all be fine.

tugglek23 · May 2014

I have to get one of these too. My brother, DH's uncle on his mom's side, and DH's dad all have holes in their hearts. So high chance this babe will too. Luckily, nobody has had to have surgery to repair the holes so I'm hoping for the best with our LO. I have my next appointment tomorrow (15+6) so I'm assuming I'll be told when I need to schedule it for. I'll keep you posted if I get mine done before you!

Edit: Updated to 15+6... apparently my brain hasn't caught up with how far along I am.

MrsDL · May 2014

I had one with DS at 24 weeks, he had a high NT measurement so he was at increased risk for heart defects. It's basically just a long ultrasound, like the anatomy scan. They focus on the heart structures, blood flow, etc. If I recall it took a little longer than the anatomy scan, probably 40 minutes or so. There are no cons imo, it's just another detailed ultrasound so you get to see how LO is doing. The pro is if they don't find anything, it's peace of mind. If they do, you know exactly what you need to deal with, make sure you are in the right place for delivery, do research etc. so being able to plan for something unexpected is nice. Good luck!

crizz13 · June 2014

Update: Just wanted to let you all know I had the echo today and everything went well! Phew!

It really was just an extended ultrasound where the tech only really looked at the heart and flow of blood. Besides being uncomfortable laying on my back for a hour and a half, it was painless and baby girl did a great job!

Thanks for all of your kind words :-)

Autumnsnow · June 2014

That's sooo great to hear!! Congrats

missnacholover · June 2014

So glad it went well!

I have to have one in a couple of weeks! Glad to hear it's easy peasy!

marajay6 · June 2014

I also had to have a fetal echo due to family history. Mine didn't last anywhere near as long as yours. Everything looked good. The only thing I didn't like was how much pressure the doctor used pressing the ultrasound wand into my abdomen. It was much worse than my a/s.

acholb · June 2014

So glad it went well! I was born with a VEntricular Septal Defect (VSD), so I am having a fetal echo too at 24 weeks. At my A/S they were unable to determine the sex. I hope at the fetal echo they can take another look!

Kitty Elvis · June 2014

I had a heart echo with my first daughter and just had one for the current baby, and for the same reasons. I had an Atrial Septal Defect at birth. So glad all went well with yours! It's always nice to get to see the baby.

amtay825 · June 2014

I had one this past Monday along with my regular high risk check up. It didn't take any longer than the normal ultrasounds have taken lately; but my normal is probably much different than a healthy pregnancy ultrasound would take. I will have another one at the hospital we choose to deliver at soon. We go on a tour of one in two weeks; so hopefully we'll be making some decisions soon and will have the echo with the team of drs we choose.

emily61111 · June 2014

I am glad everything went well!

Want a personalized experience?

Fetal Echocardiogram

Re: Fetal Echocardiogram

Choose Another Board

Search Boards