You are your own baby’s advocate! Information is empowering for expecting parents. Identifying heart issues before birth can allow expecting parents to meet the doctors who will care for their baby after delivery. Treatment options can be discussed ahead of time, and medicine can be given to pregnant mothers to help deal with any fetus rhythm issues.

There are some conditions or defects that require specific medications or treatment very soon after delivery. This knowledge can positively impact a newborn’s health status. With a diagnosis before birth, doctors can start treatment right away.

Top 5 questions expecting parents should ask their doctor during
a 20-Week Ultrasound Exam

1. Do you see 4 heart chambers? Are all 4 the same size?

2. Do you look at the arteries or outflow tracks as part of your scan? *Note: It is extremely important to focus on “artery views”. CHDs are often missed if only a standard “chamber view” is performed.

3. Are the heart and stomach in correct positions? *Note: Both organs should lie on the left side of the fetus.
4. Is the heart function normal? Does the muscle work normally? Is everything hooked up correctly?

5. Is the heart rate normal? Is the heart rate irregular? *Note: A normal heart rate range for a fetus is 120-180 beats per minute. Too slow is less than 100 beats per minute and too fast is over 200 beats per minute.

Top 5 risk factors expecting parents should discuss with their doctor before
a 20-Week Ultrasound Exam

If you can answer “yes” to any of these risk factors, your caregiver should consider a fetal echocardiogram, which currently is not a standard screening at the 20 week stage.

1. Do I have any first degree relatives who were born with a congenital heart defect (CHD)?

2. Do I have Diabetes Mellitus or Lupus? Theses are two conditions that can be associated with congenital heart issues.

3. Has the doctor or nurse midwife heard an irregular fetal heart rate on more than one visit?

4. Does my fetus have a chromosome abnormality that is associated with a CHD?

5. Does my fetus have Hydrops Fetalis (fluid collection in the fetus) or an organ problem, such as Diaphragmatic Hernia, Omphalocele or a lung mass that can be associated with a CHD or congestive heart failure?