A heart defect can be detected in your baby using an ultrasound study or echocardiography, which is the name used for a specialized cardiac ultrasound. Diagnosis of a serious heart defect before your baby is born enables doctors to further examine the defect, closely monitor your child's overall health, carefully plan for your baby's delivery and ensure a smooth transition to the necessary specialized care after birth. In some cases, your baby may be a candidate for in utero treatment.
The common practice is for heart defects to be detected between 16 and 22 weeks. This is the usual age at which most pregnant women undergo a screening obstetric ultrasound. Some serious heart defects can be detected as early as 14 weeks.
Fetal ultrasounds are performed in most pregnant women to monitor fetal growth and to detect abnormalities. Serious congenital heart defects can be found during routine fetal ultrasounds. If your baby has potential risk factors, like a family history of heart disease, the Fetal Cardiology Program at Children's offers ultrasound by experienced cardiologists who will carefully examine your baby's heart.
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