Fetal echocardiography
Fetal echocardiography
Fetal echocardiography (pronounced: fee-tal eh-ko-kar-dee-og-rah-fee) is a diagnostic test used to examine the heart of a fetus during pregnancy. This non-invasive procedure uses sound waves to create images of the unborn baby's heart.
Etymology
The term "fetal echocardiography" is derived from three words: "fetus", which is Latin for offspring; "echo", which is Greek for sound; and "cardiography", which is derived from the Greek words "kardia" (heart) and "graphein" (to write).
Procedure
Fetal echocardiography is typically performed in the second trimester of pregnancy, between 18 and 24 weeks gestation. The procedure involves the use of an ultrasound transducer, which is placed on the mother's abdomen. The transducer sends out high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the structures in the fetus's body, including the heart. These sound waves are then converted into images that can be viewed on a monitor.
Indications
Fetal echocardiography is usually recommended when there is a suspected congenital heart defect, a family history of heart disease, or if the mother has certain medical conditions or infections that could affect the baby's heart. It can also be used to monitor the heart in fetuses with arrhythmias or other heart-related issues.
Related Terms
- Ultrasound: A diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the body's internal structures.
- Congenital heart defect: A problem with the structure of the heart that is present at birth.
- Arrhythmia: An irregular heartbeat.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fetal echocardiography
- Wikipedia's article - Fetal echocardiography
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