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Is fetal echo necessary in every pregnancy? When to do?

By Maitri

• foetal echocardiography in India

Why to do it?

About 8-10 per 1000 live births are complicated by heart disease in the babies.

50% of still births are caused by heart disease in babies.

50,000 babies die every year in our country before their first birthday due to untreated heart disease.

Many of these heart diseases are completely curable and parents get enough time to prepare for the problem.

When to do it?

Transabdominal or External fetal echo can be done anytime midtrimester onwards.

Ideally between 16-18 weeks i.e. 4-4½ months.

Fetal echo in 1^st trimester i.e. between 9 -12 weeks can also be done but through Transvaginal/ Internal route.

More Articles on Fetal Echocardiography

• Is fetal echo necessary in every pregnancy? When to do?

  Who should undergo fetal echo?

• Where and which doctor performs fetal echo?

• Technique of fetal echo

• Side Effects of Fetal Echo

• Benefits of fetal echocardiography

• Take Home Message – Fetal Echocardiogram