In what cases is the Echo-CG of the fetus appointed?
Echocardiogram of the fetus is not included in the number of mandatory examinations during the waiting period of the baby and is most often prescribed if a scheduled ultrasound screening between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy showed the presence of any abnormalities. In addition, the doctor may suggest doing an Echo-KG of the fetal heart in a number of other cases:
- if in your family there have been cases of the birth of babies with congenital heart disease;
- in case the future mother suffers from diabetes mellitus, lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis or epilepsy, because with these diseases the probability of the birth of a child with CHD is significantly increased;
- when the first ultrasound screening for pregnancy at a period of 11-14 weeks showed the presence of any abnormalities, for example, a significant excess of the thickness of the collar space or the accumulation of fluid under the skin of the neck of the baby. If the amniocentesis did not reveal chromosomal abnormalities, the cause is most likely in the anomalies of fetal heart development.
How does the Echo-KG fetus during pregnancy?
Fetal echocardiography is performed using a color ultrasound device and a device for dopplerography. An ultrasound sensor is attached to the abdomen of the future mother, and if necessary, this study is performed vaginally in the early stages of pregnancy.
The most accurate results of echocardiography can be obtained between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. This is due to the fact that at earlier times the heart of the fetus is still too small, and not the most modern ultrasound machine, can not accurately reflect all the features of its structure. Carrying out such a study in the third trimester of expectation of the baby is hampered by the presence of too large belly of the pregnant woman, after all, the bigger the belly, the farther the sensor is located on it, which means that the image is much less clear.
With normal development of the child's heart, the procedure of echocardiography takes about 45 minutes, however, if a deviation is detected, the study may take much longer.
Echocardiogram of the fetus includes several items:
- A two-dimensional echocardiogram is an accurate image of the future baby's heart on a short or long axis in real time. With its help, an experienced cardiologist can in detail examine the structure of the heart valves, chambers, veins, arteries and any other structures.
- M-mode is used to determine the size of the heart and the correct execution of the functions of the ventricles. M-mode is the graphic reproduction of the walls, valves and valves of the heart in motion.
- And, finally, with the help of Doppler echocardiography, the doctor will be able to assess the heart rate, as well as the speed and direction of blood flow through the veins and arteries through the valves and vessels.
What if the echocardiogram of the fetus revealed abnormalities?
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for doctors to stop a pregnancy if serious heart defects are detected. In this case, it is necessary to conduct a re-examination in 1-2 weeks
In the case of the birth of a child with UPU , the birth takes place in a specialized medical facility equipped with a department for cardiosurgery in newly born babies.
In addition, some defects and abnormalities in the development of the fetal cardiovascular system may disappear by the time of delivery. For example, a hole in the cardiac septum often overgrows itself and does not disturb the newborn and his mother in any way.