A fetal 2D echocardiogram is a painless, non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the unborn baby’s heart. It is a specialized type of ultrasound that is used to assess the structure and function of the fetal heart.
Fetal 2D echocardiograms are typically performed between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. However, they can be done earlier or later in pregnancy, depending on the reason for the test.
The test is performed by a sonographer who places a transducer on the pregnant woman’s abdomen. The transducer sends sound waves into the baby’s heart, and the echoes are converted into images on a monitor.
Fetal 2D echocardiograms can be used to diagnose a wide range of heart conditions in unborn babies, including:
- Congenital heart defects
- Heart arrhythmias
- Heart muscle problems
- Heart valve problems
The test can also be used to assess the baby’s heart function and to determine how well the baby’s heart is growing.
Fetal 2D echocardiograms are a safe and effective way to assess the heart health of unborn babies. The test is typically done in a doctor’s office or hospital, and it takes about 30 minutes to complete.
If you have any concerns about your baby’s heart health, talk to your doctor about getting a fetal 2D echocardiogram.
Here are some of the things you should look for in a fetal 2D echo:
- The size and shape of the baby’s heart
- The movement of the heart valves
- The flow of blood through the heart
- The thickness of the heart walls
- The amount of blood that the baby’s heart is pumping
