The fetal echocardiogram is an image exam that is usually requested during prenatal care and aims to verify the development, size and functioning of the fetus' heart. Thus, it is able to identify some congenital diseases, such as pulmonary atresia, interatrial or interventricular communication, in addition to monitoring the response to treatment in the case of arrhythmias, for example. Learn what is congenital heart disease and the main types.
This test does not require preparation, it is usually indicated from the 18th week of gestation and is recommended for all pregnant women, especially those over 35 years of age or who have a history of congenital heart disease.
The exam can cost between R $ 130 and R $ 400.00 depending on the place where it is performed and if it is done with doppler. However, it is made available by SUS and some health plans cover the exam.
How is done
The fetal echocardiogram is done in a similar way to ultrasound, however only the baby's cardiac structures, such as valves, arteries and veins, are visualized. Gel is applied to the pregnant belly, which is spread with a device called a transducer, which emits waves that are processed, transformed into images and analyzed by the doctor.
From the result of the exam, the doctor will be able to indicate if everything is fine in relation to the baby's cardiovascular system or indicate any cardiac alterations, thus being able to determine if the treatment can be done during pregnancy or if the pregnant woman should be referred to a hospital with adequate structure to perform surgical procedure on the fetus right after birth.
To perform the exam, no preparation is necessary and usually lasts around 30 minutes. It is a painless test that does not pose a risk to the mother or the baby.
The fetal echocardiogram is not recommended before the 18th week of gestation, as the cardiovascular system and the visualization of the cardiovascular system is not very accurate due to the lack of maturation, nor at the end of pregnancy. In addition, the position, agitation and multiple pregnancy make it difficult to perform the exam.
Fetal echocardiogram with doppler
The fetal doppler echocardiogram, in addition to allowing the fetal heart structures to be visualized, also allows to hear the baby's heartbeat, thus being able to verify if the heartbeat is normal or if there is any indication of arrhythmia, which can be treated even during pregnancy. Understand what fetal doppler is for and how it works.
When to do
The fetal echocardiogram must be done together with other prenatal examinations and can be performed from the 18th week of gestation, which is the gestation period in which it is already possible to hear the beats due to the greater maturation of the cardiovascular system of the fetus. See what happens in the 18th week of pregnancy.
In addition to being indicated for prenatal care, this exam is indicated for pregnant women who:
- Have a family history of congenital heart disease; Had an infection that could compromise the development of the heart, such as toxoplasmosis and rubella, for example; Have diabetes, whether pre-existing or acquired during pregnancy; Did they use any medication in the first weeks gestation, such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants; they are over 35 years old, since from that age the risk of fetal malformations increases.
Fetal echocardiography is very important for all pregnant women, as it is able to identify cardiac changes in the baby that can be treated even during pregnancy just after birth, avoiding more serious complications.
