Fetal Echo – Baby Heart Ultrasound
Imaging · Imaging
Available in:Hisar
Available at 1 lab
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₹4,000
About this test
What is a Fetal Echo (Baby Heart Ultrasound)?
A fetal echo is a specialized ultrasound that visualises the baby’s heart in the womb. It uses sound waves to create real‑time images of the heart’s structure, blood flow and function.
Key Parameters Reported
| Parameter | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Heart anatomy | Presence of structural defects (e.g., septal defects, valve abnormalities) |
| Blood flow patterns | Direction and velocity of blood through the heart chambers and great vessels |
| Cardiac function | Pumping efficiency, ventricular size and wall motion |
| Fetal position | Helps optimise imaging and assess for abnormal positioning |
Why is it Done?
- Routine check‑up in the second trimester (18‑22 weeks) for all pregnancies.
- Evaluation of symptoms such as fetal growth restriction, abnormal fetal heart rate, or maternal history of heart disease.
- Monitoring of known fetal cardiac anomalies or maternal conditions that may affect the fetus.
Early Detection
It can help identify signs of congenital heart disease, but it does not diagnose on its own. A clinician interprets the echo together with clinical history, other tests and follow‑up imaging.
What Abnormal Results May Indicate
- Structural defects (e.g., ventricular septal defect, transposition of the great arteries).
- Functional problems (e.g., poor ventricular contractility, abnormal blood flow).
- Many factors such as fetal position, maternal body habitus, and technical quality can influence the appearance.
Who Might Be Advised to Get This Test?
- All pregnant women, especially during the second trimester.
- Women with a family history of congenital heart disease.
- Mothers with pre‑existing heart conditions or diabetes.
- Pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction or abnormal fetal heart rate.
Quick Takeaway
A fetal echo is a safe, non‑invasive ultrasound that visualises the baby’s heart, helping doctors spot structural and functional problems early in pregnancy.
Used for detecting / monitoring
Before your test
Preparation for a Fetal Echo
- Fasting – No fasting is required for a fetal echo.
- Other tests – If you are also having a blood test that requires fasting, follow the fasting instructions for the blood test.
- Procedure – A gel is applied to your abdomen and a handheld probe (transducer) is moved over the area. The scan usually takes 20–30 minutes.
- Comfort – The procedure is painless. You may feel a slight pressure from the probe, but no needles or injections are involved.
- Precautions – No special medication timing or hydration instructions are needed for this test.
- Note – Confirm any specific preparation with your doctor or the lab. This information is general educational guidance and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Sample type: Imaging
Report parameter guide
Fetal Heart Rate
The number of heartbeats per minute in the fetus
Low: May indicate fetal distress, hypoxia, or arrhythmia
High: May indicate fetal distress, hyperthyroidism, or tachycardia
Cardiac Output
The volume of blood the fetal heart pumps per minute
Low: May indicate poor cardiac function or anemia
High: May indicate increased metabolic demand or fetal tachycardia
Valve Function
Assessment of the opening and closing of fetal heart valves
Low: May indicate valve stenosis or regurgitation
High: May indicate valve regurgitation or structural abnormalities
Chamber Size
Measurements of the size of fetal heart chambers
Low: May indicate hypoplasia or low blood volume
High: May indicate cardiomegaly or volume overload
Doppler Flow Velocities
Speed of blood flow through fetal heart vessels
Low: May indicate low cardiac output or obstruction
High: May indicate high cardiac output or increased flow demand
Ventricular Function
Assessment of how well the fetal ventricles contract
Low: May indicate ventricular dysfunction or cardiomyopathy
High: May indicate hyperdynamic state or compensatory mechanisms