Accurately diagnosing a fetal heart condition is vital to ensuring your baby receives comprehensive care before and after birth. If a routine ultrasound by your obstetrician (OB) reveals a possible problem with your baby’s heart, you will need additional tests.

Our specialized ultrasound technicians (fetal cardiac sonographers) use advanced scanning technology that can detect most congenital heart defects and structural abnormalities. Our fetal cardiologists use these detailed images to make a precise diagnosis.

Types of Fetal Heart Diagnostic Testing We Offer

To accurately diagnose heart defects during pregnancy, we use noninvasive heart imaging tests, including:

• Fetal echocardiogram (echo): A fetal echo is an ultrasound that creates detailed images of your baby’s heart. It can show the heart structure, blood flow through the heart, and irregular heart rhythms. 
• Fetal cardiac MRI: This test uses high-intensity magnets to produce detailed images of your baby’s heart. You may have this scan in addition to a fetal echo to obtain further detailed images of your baby’s heart.
• Fetal MRI: This test uses high-intensity magnets to produce detailed images of other organs in your baby’s body that are challenging to evaluate on ultrasound, including the baby’s brain and lungs. You may have this scan in addition to a fetal echo if your baby has multiple health conditions.

Who Should Get a Fetal Heart Scan

For most pregnancies, routine ultrasounds at your OB’s office provide enough information about your baby’s development. However, if tests show a potential heart defect, you may require advanced fetal heart scans.

Other reasons your doctor may request an advanced fetal heart scan include:

• Inability to see the baby’s heart structures well or concern for a heart defect on OB ultrasound.
• Chromosomal or genetic anomaly (revealed through amniocentesis or other genetic testing).
• Family history of congenital heart disease in a first degree relative (i.e., parents or siblings).
• History of diabetes, autoimmune disease (i.e., lupus), connective tissue disease (i.e., Marfan’s or Loetz Dietz), or phenylketonuria in the mother.
• Product of in vitro fertilization.
• Multiple births (pregnant with two or more babies).
• Other health conditions in the baby that may indicate increased risk for a heart defect.
• Advanced maternal age (over 35 years).
• Use of some medications during pregnancy.
• Drug or alcohol use during pregnancy.