It is possible to examine the unborn child's heart using ultrasound during pregnancy. The optimal time is the 20th - 22nd week of pregnancy. The spectrum of intrauterine heart defects detected by the screening method of fetal echocardiography differs from the spectrum of heart defects diagnosed postpartum in that - more complex heart defects are diagnosed to a greater extent, which may show progression during the course of pregnancy and may be associated with extracardiac malformations (30-50%) and chromosomal anomalies (up to 30%). The spectrum of congenital heart defects diagnosed in the tertiary prenatal centers, on the other hand, also includes less complex, non-surgical heart defects with increasing expertise.
The fetal heart ultrasound examination is recommended if
- there is a positive family history of congenital heart defects
- maternal medication intake (antiepileptic drugs, vitamin A, lithium, etc.) is present
- there is insulin-dependent diabetes, systemic lupus or PKU
- there is an infection (rubella, TORCH) during pregnancy
- a widened neck fold is measured
- if there is excessive alcohol consumption
- if there are early signs of intrauterine growth retardation
- if other malformations have been found
- if a chromosomal disorder is suspected
- if the pregnancy is a monochorial twin pregnancy
- if fetal cardiac arrhythmias occur.
The fetal heart ultrasound is carried out in close cooperation with the Department of Fetomaternal Medicine at the University Women's Hospital.