Nothing but examining the fetal heart health and related status. During the nuchal scan (11-13 weeks), the anomaly scan (20-24 weeks), and the wellbeing scan (30-34 weeks) we routinely examine the fetal heart and connecting blood vessels.
Women with a family history of congenital heart abnormalities, those with diabetes mellitus, and those taking antiepileptic drugs. Fetuses with suspected heart defects and those with increased nuchal translucency or certain non-cardiac abnormalities are detected during the routine scans.
The scans are usually performed from 16 weeks of gestation but can be undertaken from as early as 13 weeks if necessary. If an abnormality is found, a detailed explanation of the problem and the outlook for the baby will be provided to the parents and a plan for the subsequent management of the pregnancy will be discussed.
A specialist examination of the fetal heart is recommended for:
The cardiac scan is performed trans-abdominally which means over the tummy.
