Has anybody had a fetal echocardiogram done? We had two anatomy scans and they couldn't get a good enough view of baby's heart either time so I just scheduled the fetal echo for March 11. Naturally I feel paniced that they will find something wrong, and also that it will be super expensive. Anyone sharing their experience would be appreciated.
I had a fetal echo around 23 weeks I think. They were worried about heart defects because of the measurements from the first trimester screening that initially made them think that the baby had an elevated risk of having Down Syndrome. Everything ended up being normal with my Panorama blood test, anatomy scan, and fetal echo. So I basically worried and stressed for 10 weeks for what ended up being nothing.
I think DH and I didn't know how worried we were until during the echo the high risk doctor told us that everything looked normal and we both exhaled as if we had been holding our breaths for months. Try not to worry too much. It's just like a regular ultrasound; they're just looking at it differently so it's nothing crazy. They probably just want to get some nice clear views of the heart. Fingers crossed for good results for you too!
Post by srirachasays on Feb 27, 2015 13:38:37 GMT -5
Lurking from July 15...
I had one a week ago after the u/s tech that did my a/s recommended it because of some concerns over the heart pictures they got. It is basically just like a regular ultrasound but they focus on the heart and get some real close up shots of that region. Afterwards, we talked to the fetal cardiologist and went over her findings. I also seem to find that people just get these done for extra precaution and a lot of times things tend to be just fine. Stay positive and good luck!
Post by sapphyre0702 on Feb 27, 2015 14:20:33 GMT -5
I had one around 23 weeks - I had it because my heart is irregularly shaped (though functions fine). It is like a regular ultrasound and they look around for awhile to see the structure of the baby's heart, how it is functioning, the flow in and out of the chambers etc. Do not be concerned if it seems like it is taking awhile - regular echos on adults can take 45 minutes to an hour (I've had them take this long before). Also, do not be worried by silence it is complicated and they have to watch how it is functioning and get tons of different angles so their silence and rearranging of angles is just because it is complicated. Don't worry - I'm sure the doctors will be super nice as well since they know it is a nerve wracking situation.
I had a fetal echo done just before 21 weeks due to our other issues. They wanted to see if the mass we were dealing with was affecting the heart in any negative ways.
That said, it's basically an ultrasound that has the ability to get a closer look at the blood flow and valves of the heart. It does take a long time though, because they like to see all things and watch it for a period of time, like PP said. Ours took nearly an hour... Then again, our experience was a little weird, since they couldn't get a good, clear look due to the other issues, but our neonatal cardiologist was great at explaining everything for us - don't be afraid to ask questions.
Try not to get too stressed yet (easier said than done, I know). They always like to cover their bases. The regular old ultrasounds don't always get great views, so to have a second look or a better look is always better.
Definitely keep us posted on what you hear back! ((HUGS))
Just had mine this week, solely bc I have GD. FX all will be well, the heart is apparently tricky to u/s. It lasts roughly 30-60 min depending how cooperative baby is being. I had an U/S tech and a perinatal cardiologist the whole time. They took their pics/measurements and she told me at the end everything was ok. (And would have told me then if something was wrong.) GL! Keep us posted.
We had a fetal echo with DS1 at 20w, bc they thought they saw a defect indicating downs at the Anatomy scan. It lasted about 30min and turned out to be totally normal.
Originally they wanted me to get one (sister has a heart murmur...not sure why I'd need one then) but said they got good enough shots in the a/s so I don't need to go. best wishes for you!
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