Fetal Cardiac & Other Specialist Imaging

A fetal cardiac scan — fetal echocardiography — is a focused examination of the structure, connections, rhythm and function of the baby's heart. It goes beyond the cardiac views included in a routine anomaly scan.

The chambers of the heart and their connections, the valves, the great vessels, the rhythm, and blood flow through the heart using Doppler.

It may be advised where there is a family history of congenital heart disease, where a finding at an earlier scan raises a question about the heart, where the nuchal translucency measurement was increased, in maternal diabetes, or with certain medications. Your treating doctor decides whether it applies to you.

Not every cardiac condition can be identified before birth. Some are only recognised after delivery, and some develop as the circulation changes at birth. A detailed fetal cardiac examination reduces uncertainty; it does not remove it.

Timing and preparation are confirmed when your appointment is booked.