fetal echocardiogram for IVF babies

ConstanceGoodspeed · September 2014

When I went for my 12 week genetic NT scan, the MFM said two new separate studies show that IVF babies have a .001% increase in heart issues (heart issues period, so this includes serious defects as well as issues that can resolve themselves before birth).

He recommended a fetal echocardiogram at 21 weeks, with which I am fine.

I am kicking myself for not asking for some details from the studies (like, uh, the names). I have a call in to my insurance to see if this is covered, as I can't afford it if I need to pay oop, and will call the MFM back after that. When I called the pedi cardiologist and explained the reason for my appointment they acted like they get this all the time.

Has anyone else heard of this?

ETA: I am not concerned in the slightest about my LO's heart. The rate is just too low and the stat is kind of ambiguous. Just curious to hear your thoughts and experiences.

kmc84 · September 2014

I had a feta echo with A, but it had nothing to do with IVF-the MFM only wanted it because I have type 1 diabetes.

If the only reason for a fetal echo in your case is IVF, I wouldn't stress over it. If its covered, go for it. If its not covered, don't worry about it.

Grateful&Thankful · September 2014

My doctor scheduled me for one too because of the IVF. He mentioned similar things that your doctor did. I had it done at 20 weeks and it lasted for about 30-40 minutes.

pblge · September 2014

Interesting. Please share details about the studies if you get them. Seems like a pretty low risk to necessitate a test, but what do I know?

badrianne · September 2014

I asked my OB about an echo due to IVF. She sent me to a higher level US for my A/S at 20 weeks. I think it's called a level two where they look closely at the heart and since it was normal she didn't send me for the echo. Not sure if this standard practice but maybe it's an option for you???

lincoln79 · September 2014

We also had one bc of IVF.

I, personally, would fight for one w my insurance.

A heart defect can sometimes be fixed with surgery, but for us it would have made where we deliver different.

JMO.

Good luck!

jaztastic · September 2014

I have one scheduled with my MFM at 21wks... My OB advised me to get it because of IVF. But all my tests are covered by insurance as long as it's in network.

indianaalum · September 2014

yes, I was referred to one for the same reason. I was told there is a 6 percent increase in heart defects for babies with IVF.

I personally liked all the extra tests. The more ways to find out if the baby is doing okay in there!

On a related note, I do know someone who was just blindsided when their baby was born with a heart defect that nobody knew about. They were a young, fertile couple so no extra tests were ordered on them, so they were devastated when they baby was born and instantly needed open heart surgery.

Knowledge is power. IF insurance company covers it (which they probably will if a doctor recommends the test), I say "go for it"

hopeby2015 · September 2014

Are there any risks to this procedure?

cls78 · September 2014

My next appt with the MFM is at 20 weeks for the anatomy scan. I have a 18 week appt on the 8th with my OB. I don't think either have brought this up. Should I say something?

ConstanceGoodspeed · September 2014

Thanks for all the feedback! This wasn't even mentioned to me 2 years ago when I was pregnant with DS (also IVF), so I wasn't sure why the doctor was offering it now. Sounds like it is pretty common, though.

Insurance says they'll cover it as long as the MFM fills out the referral form before the pedi cardiologist does the scan. I scheduled the scan and have a call in to the MFM for the referral, so I should be good to go.

ekc0630 · September 2014

We had our first echo at 12 weeks due to possible Downs Syndrome and found heart defect it was called Atriovantricular Sepal Defect (spelling might be off). Then we had another at 20 week Ultrasound. Lost baby at 21 weeks with possible downs. Still pregnant with twin. Had another echo at 24 weeks and they want one more at 34 weeks to make 100% sure there are no issues. They can not find any with our survivor but want to be positive. I'm ok with the awesome ultrasounds. Ours with twins lasted about an hour and a half but we did have a twin with the heart defect and the one at 24 weeks of our survivor lasted about 45 min.

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