Fetal Heart Care

Many children with heart problems are now diagnosed while still in the womb. Pediatric cardiologists, along with perinatologists (high-risk pregnancy specialists), collaborate to provide consultative and diagnostic care for the management of fetal heart disease diagnosed prenatally. This allows families to have time to seek the care of a perinatologist and learn as much as they can about their baby’s heart defect prior to birth. Pediatric cardiologists provide state-of-the-art diagnostics and a connection to high-risk pregnancy sub-specialty care:

Fetal Echocardiogram

Fetal echocardiography is an ultrasound test that uses sound waves to study the structure of baby’s heart before birth. Women who have an increased risk of having a baby with congenital heart disease, or have a prenatal ultrasound where a cardiac malformation is suspected should get a fetal echocardiogram.

Prenatal Consultation

The pediatric cardiologist at the Cardiology Outpatient Specialty center will review the diagnosis and prognosis of the baby’s heart defect or condition; discuss arrangements for prenatal follow-up, delivery options and neonatal follow-up. The pediatric cardiologist will coordinate with one of the perinatologists from the MemorialCare Center for Women at Miller Children’s. If necessary, referrals will be made to a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon to determine surgical option.

Expectant mothers should seek fetal heart care when:

• Abnormal obstetrical ultrasound
• Personal or family history of congenital heart disease
• Exposure to drugs or alcohol during pregnancy
• Maternal disease (such as diabetes) is present
• Complicated twin pregnancy
• Abnormal skin fold thickness in the fetal neck