Pregnancy comes with plenty of routine scans, but sometimes your doctor may recommend a more detailed examination of your baby’s heart. This is where fetal echocardiography, commonly called a fetal echo, becomes important.
A fetal echocardiogram is a specialised ultrasound examination that looks closely at the developing baby’s heart. Unlike a routine pregnancy ultrasound, which provides a broader assessment of the baby’s growth and anatomy, a fetal echo focuses specifically on the heart’s structure, function and rhythm. It can help doctors identify certain congenital heart defects and rhythm abnormalities before birth.
The good news for expectant parents is that fetal echocardiography is a non-invasive ultrasound test and does not involve radiation. It is generally considered safe during pregnancy.
At Sparsh Diagnostic Centre in Kolkata, fetal echocardiography is available as part of its specialised ultrasound services.
What is a fetal echocardiography test?
Fetal echocardiography is a detailed ultrasound examination of the baby’s heart while the baby is still inside the uterus.
During the examination, ultrasound waves create moving images of the fetal heart. The specialist evaluates different parts of the heart, including the chambers, valves, major blood vessels, blood flow and heart rhythm.
A fetal echo can provide important information about how the heart is developing and functioning. It is particularly useful when there is a higher-than-usual risk of congenital heart disease or when a routine ultrasound raises a concern.
The examination is usually performed through the mother’s abdomen. A clear ultrasound gel is applied to the abdomen, followed by movement of the ultrasound probe over the skin. In selected situations, an early fetal cardiac assessment may be performed using a transvaginal approach.
Why is fetal echo done?
The main purpose of fetal echocardiography is to look for abnormalities involving the baby’s heart before birth.
A routine pregnancy ultrasound includes screening of the fetal heart, but a fetal echo provides a much more detailed cardiac assessment. It may evaluate:
- The four chambers of the heart
- The heart’s overall structure
- The right and left ventricular outflow tracts
- The major arteries
- The heart valves
- Blood flow through the heart
- Heart rate and rhythm
- Certain structural abnormalities
- Some functional problems
This detailed assessment can be especially valuable when a pregnancy has certain risk factors.
Importantly, a fetal echo is not simply another routine scan for every pregnancy. It is often recommended when there is a specific clinical reason or an increased risk of congenital heart disease.
Who needs a fetal echo?
Your doctor may recommend fetal echocardiography if there is a concern about the baby’s heart or if the pregnancy carries an increased risk.
Common reasons include:
- A previous child or close family member has congenital heart disease
- A routine ultrasound shows a possible heart abnormality
- An abnormal fetal heart rhythm or heart rate is detected
- Certain genetic or chromosomal abnormalities are suspected or diagnosed
- Increased nuchal translucency has been detected
- The mother has diabetes or certain other medical conditions
- The mother has had certain infections, such as rubella, during pregnancy
- Certain medicines or substances that may affect fetal heart development have been used
- There is an abnormality involving another major fetal organ
- The pregnancy was conceived through assisted reproductive technology, including IVF, in situations where the treating team considers fetal cardiac assessment appropriate
- There is a known family history of congenital heart disease
These indications can vary from one patient to another, so the decision should be made by the obstetrician, fetal medicine specialist or other appropriate healthcare professional.
Is it normal to get a fetal echocardiogram?
Yes. There is nothing unusual or alarming about being advised to have a fetal echo.
However, it is important to understand that a fetal echo is not necessarily required in every pregnancy. It is a specialised examination that may be recommended because of a risk factor, a finding on another scan or a doctor’s clinical judgement.
Being referred for a fetal echo does not automatically mean that your baby has a heart problem. In many cases, the examination is performed simply to take a closer look and provide reassurance.
If your doctor has recommended one, it is better to view it as an opportunity to obtain more detailed information rather than assuming that something is wrong.
Which week is best for fetal echo?
The commonly recommended window for a detailed fetal echocardiogram is around 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy. This timing generally allows the fetal heart to be examined in considerable detail.
Some sources and clinical practices use a slightly wider window, approximately 18 to 24 weeks.
The exact timing can depend on why the test has been recommended, the quality of the images, fetal position, maternal factors and the expertise available at the centre.
In pregnancies where there is a particularly strong concern, an earlier fetal cardiac examination may sometimes be considered. Some specialised centres can identify major abnormalities earlier in pregnancy, followed by another detailed assessment later.
Why is fetal echo done at 24 weeks?
Many people are told to have a fetal echo around 20–24 weeks, so they naturally wonder why 24 weeks is sometimes chosen.
The reason is primarily related to fetal development and image quality. By this stage, the heart is sufficiently developed to allow detailed assessment of its chambers, outflow tracts, vessels, valves and blood flow.
Twenty-four weeks is not a strict deadline, however. The commonly recommended window begins earlier, around 18 weeks, and many fetal echocardiograms are performed between 18 and 22 weeks.
If your doctor has specifically advised a fetal echo at 24 weeks, there is generally no reason to worry simply because the examination is being performed at that stage.
Is it okay to get a fetal echo at 26 weeks?
Yes, a fetal echo can still be performed at 26 weeks when clinically indicated.
Although 18–22 weeks is a commonly preferred period, fetal cardiac assessment does not suddenly become impossible after 22 or 24 weeks. A scan may be recommended later if an abnormality is suspected, the earlier examination was incomplete, the baby’s position made imaging difficult, or additional follow-up is necessary.
In fact, international guidance notes that if a fetal heart abnormality is suspected, referral for detailed assessment should occur regardless of gestational age.
So if you are 26 weeks pregnant and have been advised to undergo fetal echocardiography, follow your doctor’s recommendation rather than delaying the examination because you believe you have missed the ideal window.
Is a fetal echo test safe?
Yes. Fetal echocardiography uses ultrasound rather than X-rays or other forms of ionising radiation.
When performed appropriately for medical reasons, it is considered a safe and non-invasive examination for both mother and baby.
The test is similar in many ways to a regular pregnancy ultrasound. You usually lie comfortably while gel is applied to your abdomen and the ultrasound probe is moved over the skin.
There is generally no injection, anaesthesia or hospital admission involved.
As with any medical examination during pregnancy, it should be performed by trained professionals using appropriate equipment and according to clinical need.
How much time is taken for a fetal echo?
A fetal echocardiogram can take around 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how detailed the examination needs to be and how easily the baby’s heart can be visualised.
It may take longer when:
- The baby is in an unfavourable position
- The baby is moving frequently
- The fetal heart is difficult to image
- Additional Doppler measurements are needed
- The examination is being performed because of a suspected abnormality
- A repeat examination is necessary
A longer scan does not necessarily mean that something is wrong. Sometimes it simply takes time to obtain all the required views.
What does a normal fetal echo report mean?
A normal fetal echo report generally means that no significant abnormality was identified in the fetal heart during the examination.
Depending on the centre and the type of examination performed, a report may describe findings such as:
- Normal cardiac position and orientation
- Normal four-chamber appearance
- Normal ventricular size and function
- Normal atrial and ventricular relationships
- Normal appearance of the major outflow tracts
- Normal great artery relationships
- No significant structural abnormality identified
- Normal heart rhythm
- No significant abnormal blood-flow pattern detected
- No obvious valve abnormality
The exact wording varies between hospitals and diagnostic centres.
It is also important to understand that a normal fetal echo does not guarantee that every possible heart problem will be absent after birth. Some small defects, mild valve problems and certain abnormalities of the great vessels may be difficult or impossible to identify before birth.
Therefore, a normal report is reassuring, but it should always be interpreted in the context of the entire pregnancy.
What if a fetal echo is abnormal?
An abnormal fetal echo does not necessarily mean that the pregnancy will have a poor outcome.
The next step depends on exactly what has been found. Some findings may be minor, while others may require close monitoring or planning for specialised care after delivery.
If an abnormality is identified, your doctor may recommend:
- A repeat fetal echocardiogram
- A detailed obstetric ultrasound
- Consultation with a fetal medicine specialist
- Consultation with a paediatric or fetal cardiologist
- Genetic counselling or genetic testing when appropriate
- Additional monitoring during pregnancy
- Delivery planning at a centre equipped to care for newborns with heart conditions
The benefit of detecting a significant heart problem before birth is that parents and the medical team have more time to understand the condition and plan appropriate care.
Try not to interpret a single phrase on the report without discussing it with your doctor. Some findings that sound frightening in a report may require only monitoring, while apparently minor findings may need further assessment.
What is a good fetal weight at 24 weeks?
At around 24 weeks, the average fetal weight is approximately 1½ pounds, or about 680 grams, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Other growth references give an average around 650 grams at 24 weeks.
So there is no single number that can be called the “perfect” fetal weight at 24 weeks.
Ultrasound-estimated fetal weight is an estimate, and doctors look at growth patterns, gestational age, measurements and growth percentiles rather than focusing on one number in isolation.
If your ultrasound report gives an estimated fetal weight that is somewhat above or below an average figure, don’t panic. Your obstetrician will interpret the measurement in the context of the baby’s overall growth and pregnancy history.
Can fetal echo detect gender?
Fetal echocardiography is not performed to determine fetal sex.
Its purpose is to evaluate the baby’s heart and detect possible structural, functional or rhythm abnormalities.
In India, prenatal sex determination and disclosure are prohibited under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 (PCPNDT Act). The law specifically regulates prenatal diagnostic techniques, including ultrasonography, and prohibits determination and communication of fetal sex.
Therefore, a fetal echo should be understood strictly as a medical examination of the baby’s heart, not a gender-detection test.
What is the fetal echo test price?
The fetal echo test price varies between diagnostic centres and hospitals depending on the location, equipment, specialist expertise and complexity of the examination.
For Kolkata, currently published prices from different providers show that fetal echocardiography can commonly fall in the ₹2,700–₹3,700 range, although prices can be higher or lower depending on the centre and what is included. For example, current listings show ₹2,700 at one laboratory network and prices around ₹3,000–₹3,700 at other Kolkata providers.
Because diagnostic centre prices can change, it is best to confirm the current fee before booking.
Sparsh Diagnostic Centre provides fetal echocardiography in Kolkata. The centre’s current radiology information lists fetal echocardiography among its specialised ultrasound services.
For the latest fetal echo price and appointment availability at Sparsh, patients can contact the centre directly rather than relying on an outdated online price.
What is the cost of a fetal echo?
If you are searching for the cost of fetal echo in Kolkata, a reasonable current market estimate is around ₹2,700 to ₹3,700 for many standard examinations, based on publicly listed prices.
However, the actual cost may depend on:
- The diagnostic centre
- Specialist consultation
- Type and extent of the examination
- Whether Doppler assessment is included
- Whether the scan needs to be repeated
- Whether it is a singleton or twin pregnancy
- Additional investigations recommended by the doctor
Always confirm the exact price and what the fee includes when scheduling the appointment.
What happens during a fetal echocardiogram?
The procedure is straightforward.
First, you will usually lie on an examination bed. The sonographer or doctor applies ultrasound gel to your abdomen. A handheld transducer is then moved gently over the skin.
The ultrasound machine produces images of the baby’s heart on a monitor. The operator takes multiple views and may use Doppler techniques to evaluate blood flow.
You may see the baby’s heart beating on the screen during the examination.
The scan itself is painless. You may experience some mild pressure as the probe is moved over different parts of the abdomen, but there is generally no significant discomfort.
No special preparation is normally required, and the American Heart Association notes that a full bladder is not necessary for a fetal echocardiogram.
What can fetal echocardiography detect?
A detailed fetal echo may identify a number of important cardiac abnormalities, including some congenital heart defects and abnormal heart rhythms.
It can assess cardiac anatomy, function and rhythm and may help identify conditions requiring further evaluation before or after birth.
However, fetal echocardiography has limitations.
Some small holes in the heart, mild valve abnormalities and certain abnormalities involving the pulmonary veins or aortic arch may be difficult to detect before birth. Some conditions may also develop or become more apparent later in pregnancy or after delivery.
This is why a normal fetal echo should be considered reassuring rather than an absolute guarantee that the baby’s heart will have no abnormality after birth.
Fetal echo vs routine pregnancy ultrasound
Although both examinations use ultrasound, they serve somewhat different purposes.
A routine pregnancy ultrasound looks at the baby’s overall development, growth, anatomy, position, placenta, amniotic fluid and other pregnancy-related features. A standard ultrasound also includes basic assessment of the fetal heart.
A fetal echocardiogram, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the baby’s cardiovascular system and provides a much more detailed cardiac assessment.
Think of it this way: a routine ultrasound provides a broad picture of the pregnancy, while fetal echocardiography provides a closer look at the baby’s heart.
When should you talk to your doctor about fetal echo?
You should discuss fetal echocardiography with your obstetrician if:
- A routine scan has shown a possible heart abnormality
- The baby’s heartbeat or rhythm appears abnormal
- You have previously had a baby with congenital heart disease
- There is a significant family history of congenital heart disease
- You have been diagnosed with a condition associated with increased fetal cardiac risk
- A genetic or chromosomal abnormality has been detected
- Your doctor has advised a detailed fetal cardiac examination for another reason
The timing of the examination should be based on your individual circumstances rather than simply choosing a week based on a general recommendation.
Fetal echocardiography at Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, Kolkata
Fetal echocardiography is now available at Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, where it forms part of the centre’s specialised radiology and ultrasound services.
If your obstetrician has recommended a fetal echo, carrying your previous ultrasound reports, anomaly scan report and other relevant pregnancy records can be helpful. These reports may provide useful clinical information for the specialist performing or interpreting the examination.
For appointments and current test charges, contact Sparsh Diagnostic Centre directly.
Frequently asked questions about fetal echocardiography
Is fetal echo necessary for every pregnant woman?
No. A fetal echo is not automatically required for every pregnancy. It is generally recommended when there is a suspected cardiac problem or a recognised risk factor for congenital heart disease. Your obstetrician can determine whether you need one.
Which week is best for fetal echo?
A detailed fetal echocardiogram is commonly performed between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. Some centres use a broader 18–24-week window, and the examination may be performed later when medically indicated.
Why is fetal echo done at 24 weeks?
Twenty-four weeks is within the commonly used second-trimester window for fetal cardiac assessment. At this stage, the baby’s heart can generally be evaluated in considerable detail. However, 24 weeks is not a strict cutoff.
Is it okay to get a fetal echo at 26 weeks?
Yes. A fetal echo can be performed at 26 weeks if your doctor recommends it. Although 18–22 weeks is commonly preferred, later assessment may still be useful, particularly when there is a suspected abnormality or the earlier scan was incomplete.
Is a fetal echo test safe?
Yes. Fetal echocardiography uses ultrasound and does not involve ionising radiation. It is considered a safe, non-invasive examination when medically indicated.
How much time is taken for a fetal echo?
The examination may take approximately 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the complexity of the examination and how easily the baby’s heart can be visualised.
What is a normal fetal echo report?
A normal report generally indicates that no significant structural, functional or rhythm abnormality was identified in the fetal heart. The exact wording varies by centre and should be interpreted by your doctor.
What is a good fetal weight at 24 weeks?
An average fetal weight at 24 weeks is around 1½ pounds (approximately 680 grams), although individual babies naturally vary.
Can fetal echo detect gender?
Fetal echo is a heart examination, not a sex-determination test. In India, prenatal sex determination and disclosure are prohibited by law.
What is the fetal echo test price in Kolkata?
Current publicly listed prices in Kolkata vary, with examples ranging from about ₹2,700 to ₹3,700 for fetal echocardiography. The actual price at a particular centre should be confirmed before booking.
What if a fetal echo is abnormal?
An abnormal fetal echo may lead to repeat imaging, specialist consultation, genetic counselling or additional pregnancy monitoring, depending on the finding. An abnormal result does not automatically mean that the baby will have a severe heart condition.
The bottom line
Fetal echocardiography is an important tool in modern prenatal care. It gives doctors a much closer look at the developing baby’s heart and can help identify certain congenital heart defects and rhythm problems before birth.
For most detailed examinations, 18–22 weeks is a commonly preferred period, although fetal echo may be performed earlier or later when there is a medical reason. A normal result is reassuring, but it cannot rule out every possible heart condition.
If your doctor has recommended a fetal echo, try not to assume that the referral means something is definitely wrong. Often, the purpose is simply to investigate a risk factor or clarify something seen on a routine scan.
For patients looking for fetal echocardiography in Kolkata, Sparsh Diagnostic Centre offers fetal echo as part of its specialised ultrasound services.
To get a Fetal Echocardiography done at Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, call our helpline number 9830117733.
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Disclaimer:
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
This article is intended for general health information and should not replace advice from your obstetrician, fetal medicine specialist or other qualified healthcare professional. If your fetal echo report contains an abnormal finding, discuss the report with your treating doctor before drawing conclusions.
