Fetal echocardiography and what pregnant women need to know

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Tran Thi Mai Huong - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Fetal echocardiography is one of the imaging methods in the antenatal period. This method is performed to assess the cardiovascular status of the fetus such as: heart rate, structure, and function of the heart. Fetal echocardiography helps detect early signs of fetal heart abnormalities. Timely diagnosis and assessment of congenital heart disease for early intervention.
According to the statistics of the Ministry of Health, every year, about 9,000 to 10,000 children are born with congenital heart disease, accounting for 0.8% of the total number of children born. In which, up to 50% of children have very severe congenital heart disease and only half receive heart surgery. Therefore, fetal echocardiography is very important during pregnancy.
Usually fetal heart occurs at 6-7 weeks of pregnancy. In some cases, the embryo's development is slow because the woman has an irregular menstrual cycle, so the fetal heartbeat will appear later at 8 to 10 weeks. This stage the doctor can fetal heart rate assessment can be performed. By the 20th week of pregnancy, the fetal heart is relatively fully developed, the heartbeat is stronger and clearer. The doctor began to assess the position, size and morphology based on 4D ultrasound.

Fetal echocardiography is an imaging method recommended by doctors for all pregnant women. However, special attention should be paid to the following cases:
The fetus is the result of artificial insemination. Pregnant woman has used seizure drugs, antidepressants,... Periodic pregnancy ultrasound Previously detected abnormalities The family has a history of congenital heart disease Pregnant women have genetic diseases, hypertension, diabetes,... During pregnancy, pregnant women have measles, rubella , chickenpox,... In addition, for the fetus, the doctor will appoint cases with a high probability of congenital heart disease such as:
Irregular fetal heartbeat There is a suspicion of twin-twin transfusion syndrome Ultrasound results in increased fetal nuchal translucency during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy Non-genetic edema Congenital chromosomal abnormalities For the above cases, the best time to perform fetal echocardiography is from 22nd to 26th week of pregnancy. In order to be sure about the condition of the fetus, and pregnant women need to perform regular fetal echocardiography according to the appointment schedule.

Fetal echocardiography is essential in diagnosing early fetal abnormalities. However, in order for fetal echocardiography to be effective and complete, it is necessary to wait until the fetal heart develops relatively completely.
The fetal heart forms and starts beating from the 22nd day after fertilization. When the fetus enters the 6th or 7th week, the fetal heart begins to appear. However, the most appropriate time for an accurate and effective fetal heart rate assessment is the 22nd to 26th week of pregnancy.
At this time, the heartbeat of the fetus is strong, just pressing the ear to the abdomen can be heard clearly. The higher the heart rate, the more evidence of normal and healthy development of the fetus.
The heartbeat of a healthy, normally developing fetus fluctuates between 120-160 times/minute. If the fetus moves, kicks the mother's belly, the heart rate can increase up to 180 times / minute. However, if the fetal heart rate regularly exceeds 180 beats / minute, the pregnant woman needs to go to a medical facility to check, because this can be a sign of danger to the fetus.

Fetal echocardiography is a very important procedure during a mother's pregnancy. With the development of medicine, there are many types of ultrasound to meet the economic ability of many families. Types of ultrasound include:
2D ultrasound: is a common type of ultrasound that can accurately determine pregnancy. In addition, this method also shows the location of birth defects of the fetus. 3D ultrasound: is a 3-dimensional ultrasound method with color and image that can determine the gestational age and fetal morphology. 4D ultrasound: is an ultrasound method developed from 3D ultrasound technology and produces dynamic 3D images. 4D ultrasound, pregnant women can see the fetal activities and can save as video.

Currently, with the development of modern medicine, ultrasound is an imaging method that gives accurate results up to 99%, which can help detect congenital heart diseases at an early stage. pregnancy.
In summary, fetal echocardiography is a diagnostic imaging method that can assess the structure and function of the fetal heart, and diagnose fetal heart abnormalities. Fetal echocardiography right from the beginning of pregnancy, when the fetal heart begins to appear, in order to detect abnormalities and congenital heart defects of the fetus, to have early intervention measures, to ensure health. and fetal development in the womb.
Vinmec International General Hospital offers a Package Maternity Care Program for pregnant women right from the first months of pregnancy with a full range of antenatal care visits, periodical 3D and 4D ultrasounds and routine tests to ensure that the mother is healthy and the fetus is developing comprehensively.
Pregnant women will be consulted and checked for health under the close supervision of experienced and specialized Obstetricians, helping mothers have more knowledge to protect their health during pregnancy as well as reduce reduce complications for mother and child.
Doctor Tran Thi Mai Huong has 25 years of experience in examination and treatment in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, lower tract surgery, laparoscopic surgery. Has held the position of deputy head of the School of Obstetrics and Gynecology, deputy head of the delivery department - Hai Phong Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. Having high expertise and strength in the fields of:
Lower tract surgery Laparoscopic surgery Difficult obstetric surgery If you have a need for consultation and examination at Hospitals under the national health system, you are welcome. Please book an appointment on the website for the best service.