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 BirthCare Center 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

Fetal Heart Center Contact Information:

Long Beach Memorial, 2801 Atlantic Ave., 3^rd Floor in the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute

Phone: (562) 933-3370

Fax: (562) 933-3334