What is Fetal Echocardiography?
Fetal Echocardiography is a specialized ultrasound test performed during pregnancy to evaluate the position, size, function
and rhythm of the unborn baby's heart. Sound waves reflect or "echo" off of the different moving structures of the heart
to give a real-time image that you will see and hear on the TV monitor.
A Fetal Echo may be performed when:
- A previous child was born with a congenital cardiac defect
- Mom or dad has congenital heart disease
- Mom has diabetes or lupus
- The baby has an abnormal heart beat pattern
- The baby may have another anomaly
- The baby may have a chromosomal abnormality
- The fetal heart looks abnormal on a routine ultrasound study
- Slow or confined growth of the baby
At Jefferson, the fetal echo exam is performed in the Jefferson Center for Maternal Fetal Health in association with pediatric
cardiologists from DuPont Hospital for Children. The exam takes about 45 minutes and you will be informed of what is happening
every step along the way. We have over 30 years experience with fetal echocardiography and have taught our techniques around
the world. Our international fetal cardiovascular research group continues to put forth new information on fetal heart physiology.
Contact Information
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine
215-955-7730; Fax: 215-955-5041
Dennis C. Wood, RDMS, RCPT
Director of Perinatal Echocardiography
Fetal Heart Screening Program
Benjamin Franklin House, 834 Chestnut Street, Suite 400
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
