Fetal Cardiology

Fetal cardiology is the field of medicine dedicated to the diagnosis and management of heart problems in the developing fetus (a baby still in its mother's womb). By assessing the baby's heart before birth, physicians can better plan for the baby's care before, during, and after birth.

Reasons to See a Fetal Cardiologist

There are several reasons why a mother may be referred to a fetal cardiologist for a consultation. Some of the reasons for fetal heart assessment include:

• Routine obstetrical ultrasound (sonogram) tests suggest possible heart problems or an anomaly in the baby’s other organ systems that is associated with the occurrence of a heart defect.
• A history of congenital heart disease in the siblings, parents, or other family members of the baby.
• The mother has been exposed to certain infections, drugs or medicines that are known to cause heart defects in babies.
• The mother has a medical condition--such as diabetes or lupus--that can affect the baby's cardiac development.
• An amniocentesis or other test detects a chromosomal abnormality in the baby.
• The baby may have been diagnosed with a condition that is often associated with heart problems, such as Down syndrome.
• The baby has an abnormal heart rhythm.

Fetal Echocardiography

A fetal echocardiogram (fetal echo) is the key test performed to look at a baby's heart. This safe, painless, noninvasive test uses sound waves to assess the structure and function of the baby's heart. At the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, specialists who have extensive expertise in fetal cardiology, echocardiography, and congenital heart disease perform and interpret fetal echocardiograms.

Early Detection Leads to Better Outcomes

Chicago Comer Children's Hospital physicians and staff are dedicated to working with you to determine the best treatment plan for you and your baby. If a problem is detected, the fetal cardiologist will meet with parents to discuss the nature and expected outcome of the condition. The fetal cardiologist will consult with other University of Chicago experts in maternal-fetal medicine (obstetrics), pediatric cardiac surgery, neonatology, and genetics, to develop recommendations for care that could happen before birth, during delivery, or after birth. In the case of abnormal heart rhythms, the unborn child may receive treatment while still in the womb.

In some cases, mothers decide to deliver their baby at the University of Chicago Hospitals so that the baby can have instant access to our complete range of pediatric care services. If you choose to continue your baby's care at Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, your child will receive care from some of the nation's best experts in pediatric medicine. Our new hospital is equipped with the most advanced technology for treating even the tiniest infants.

Providing Care at Several Locations

Our fetal cardiology specialists have teamed up with perinatal and obstetric specialists at select regional hospitals and clinics to provide superior care to patients throughout the area. For more information, call us at (773) 702-6172.