UChicago Medicine Comer Children's

Fetal Cardiology

The multidisciplinary team at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital has expertise in the early diagnosis and management of fetal heart conditions, including congenital heart defects, heart muscle disease or infection, arrhythmias and other cardiac disorders. We specialize in prenatal diagnosis, using fetal echocardiography to examine the heart while the baby is still in the womb. We also offer counseling, support and resources to help expectant parents every step of the way.

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As part of our comprehensive care for the whole family, our pediatric cardiologists work closely with University of Chicago Medicine obstetricians, neonatologists and experts in maternal-fetal medicine. If necessary, our collaborative surgical and interventional cardiology teams are prepared to operate on newborns within the first hours of life.

Diagnosing Fetal Heart Conditions

Fetal heart conditions often are first detected during a routine prenatal ultrasound. If an obstetrician notices an abnormality, he/she will refer you for a fetal echocardiogram — a more specialized noninvasive ultrasound, performed by a pediatric cardiologist — which uses sound waves to create a picture of the baby's heart. Your doctor may also recommend an echocardiogram if you have certain risk factors, including a family history of congenital heart disease, or concerns that your baby has other genetic disorders.

Treating Fetal Heart Conditions

Early diagnosis of fetal cardiac conditions gives physicians and expectant parents more time to decide on the best treatment option. Our cardiologists meet regularly with other specialists to create an individualized care plan for each family. If treatment will be needed for the baby after birth, you and your family will have the opportunity to meet with interventional cardiologists, surgeons, or other members of the care team, before your child is born.

Comprehensive Pediatric Cardiology Care

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Pediatric patient Drew Mastrino and his mom, Kristina Mastrino of Naperville, Il, on January 16, 2013. Drew is treated at Comer Children's Hospital by pediatric gastroenterologist TImothy Sentongo, MD, for an allergic condition called eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

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Request an Appointment

You can also schedule an appointment instantly for in-person and video visits through our online scheduling portal.

The information you provide will enable us to assist you as efficiently as possible. A representative will contact you within one to two business days to help you schedule an appointment.

To speak to someone directly, please call 1-888-824-0200. If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.

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By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.