A fetal cardiac scan is a crucial examination during pregnancy to assess the heart and connecting blood vessels of the fetus. This specialized scan is an integral part of the routine prenatal screening process, typically conducted during the nuchal scan (11-13 weeks), the anomaly scan (20-24 weeks), and the wellbeing scan (30-34 weeks). The primary aim is to ensure the fetal heart is developing normally and to identify any potential abnormalities at an early stage.
When is a Fetal Cardiac Scan Recommended?
- Women with a Family History of Congenital Heart Abnormalities: If there is a known history of heart defects in the family, a detailed fetal cardiac scan is essential to rule out similar issues in the baby.
- Women with Diabetes Mellitus: Diabetes during pregnancy can increase the risk of congenital heart defects in the fetus.
- Women Taking Antiepileptic Drugs: These medications can potentially impact fetal development, necessitating close monitoring of the fetal heart.
- Fetuses with Suspected Heart Defects: If routine scans indicate a possible heart defect or increased nuchal translucency, a specialist cardiac scan is vital for further investigation.
- Fetuses with Certain Non-Cardiac Abnormalities: Some non-cardiac anomalies detected during routine scans can be associated with heart defects, warranting a detailed cardiac examination.
The Procedure of Fetal Cardiac Scan
The fetal cardiac scan is performed trans-abdominally, meaning the ultrasound is conducted over the abdomen. This non-invasive method allows specialists to capture detailed images of the fetal heart and blood vessels.
Key Points About the Appointment:
- Duration: The scan typically lasts between 15 minutes to half an hour for singleton pregnancies. If we detect an abnormality, we may need additional time to conduct further examination and consultation.
- Immediate Results: After the scan, a detailed report will be available immediately. Parents will receive a print-out, and if an email address is provided, we can also email the report to the referring doctor.
- Photos: 2D (black and white) as well as 3D photos of the scan will be provided at no extra charge.
- Second Opinions: For those seeking a second opinion, it is important to provide previous reports prior to the appointment.
Specialist Care at the Institute of Fetal Medicine, Kolkata
The Institute of Fetal Medicine (IFM) in Kolkata offers specialized fetal cardiac scans, ensuring the highest standard of prenatal care. Sonographers typically perform these scans starting from 16 weeks of gestation onwards.
In the event of detecting an abnormality, parents will receive a comprehensive explanation of the condition, the outlook for the baby, and a tailored plan for managing the pregnancy moving forward. This personalized approach ensures that we keep parents well-informed and supported throughout the process.
Importance of Timely Appointment Management
Given the high demand for fetal cardiac scans and the limited availability of appointment slots, it is crucial for patients to manage their appointments responsibly. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, notify the clinic at least 24 hours in advance. This enables us to reassign the slot to another high-risk patient in need.
Fetal Cardiac Scan in Kolkata: Ensuring Fetal Health
In Kolkata, the Institute of Fetal Medicine is a leading centre for prenatal testing, including fetal cardiac scans. The institute offers comprehensive fetal health assessment services, detecting conditions like congenital heart defects and Down syndrome early.
The Institute of Fetal Medicine Kolkata emphasizes the importance of regular prenatal testing and detailed fetal health assessments to safeguard both the mother’s and the baby’s health. This proactive approach in pregnancy care identifies and manages any anomalies effectively, providing peace of mind to expecting parents.
Fetal cardiac scan is a vital diagnostic tool in prenatal care, particularly for those at higher risk of congenital heart defects. Through early detection and expert consultation at the Institute of Fetal Medicine Kolkata, this specialized scan plays a critical role in ensuring the health and well-being of both the fetus and the mother.