Pregnancy Scans
Fetal Cardiac Scan
A fetal cardiac scan focuses on the structure and function of the baby's heart. It is usually advised when a more detailed cardiac assessment is indicated.
The Heart in Focus
What Is It?
A focused look at the fetal heart.
A fetal cardiac scan is an ultrasound examination that concentrates on the structure and function of the baby's heart, rather than reviewing all of the anatomy at once.
It is usually advised when a detailed cardiac assessment is indicated by your treating doctor.
Why It May Be Advised
Reasons a focused assessment may be suggested.
A view needs more time
A cardiac view during another examination may not have been complete, and a focused look can help.
Your doctor has requested it
Your treating doctor may advise a dedicated cardiac assessment based on your individual circumstances.
More detail would be useful
A focused examination allows the heart to be reviewed in a more dedicated way.
Visual Teaching
Colour Doppler in cardiac assessment.
- What you are seeing
- A Colour Doppler study on the ultrasound system. Colour is used to represent movement of blood.
- What the doctor assesses
- Doppler is an ultrasound technique used to assess blood flow, and it may be used as part of a cardiac assessment where it is clinically indicated.
- Context
- How clearly structures can be seen varies between examinations. Gestational age, the baby's position, and individual imaging conditions all affect what can be visualised on a given day.
Honest Limits
A fetal cardiac examination reviews the heart carefully, but it cannot identify every possible cardiac condition, and some conditions may not be apparent before birth. Your doctor can explain what your particular examination covered.
Appointment Notes
Questions you may want to ask
- Why has a focused cardiac assessment been advised for me?
- What parts of the heart will be assessed?
- What can this examination not tell me?
- Would any follow-up examination be recommended?
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