Obstetrics• Updated 21 October 2026
Fetal Echocardiography
A specialised ultrasound of the baby's heart during pregnancy.
Results: Same day
Quick Summary
Primary Purpose
To check the baby's heart structure and rhythm when there's a higher chance of a heart defect.
What It Measures
Heart chambers, valves, vessels and rhythm.
Preparation
No special preparation.
Overview
It's usually done at 18–24 weeks.
Reasons include diabetes in the mother, a family history of heart defects or a finding on the anomaly scan.
What It Measures
Heart structure
Chambers, valves and vessels.
Rhythm
Heart rate and regularity.
How It's Performed
- 01
Scan
Gel and probe on the tummy.
- 02
Detail
Takes 30–60 minutes.
- 03
Plan
Results guide care at birth.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Echocardiography(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine