Fetal Cardiology Services

We work closely with you and your obstetrical team to ensure that the plan of care is coordinated and the outcomes are optimal for both you and your baby.

State-of-the-art fetal echocardiographic screening

Sometimes there are maternal conditions, a family history, or findings during pregnancy that are associated with a higher risk of fetal heart disease, and a fetal echocardiogram screening is recommended. We use the most advanced technology to monitor your developing baby.

Fetal cardiac screenings may be done in case of the following:

• Abnormal findings or concerns on obstetrical ultrasound
• Chromosomal difference in the fetus, such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13, or Turner syndrome
• Family history of congenital heart disease
• Increased fetal nuchal translucency (NT)
• Maternal congenital heart disease
• Maternal pregestational diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
• Maternal gestational diabetes
• Maternal phenylketonuria
• Maternal positive SSA/SSB antibodies
• Pregnancies conceived through the use of assistive reproduction technology such as in vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Teratogen exposure
• Twin deliveries
• Two vessel umbilical cord/single umbilical artery

Convenient comprehensive care

Our comprehensive approach supports smooth transitions between all of the providers who will care for you and your baby. Whenever possible, we work with your obstetrical provider to keep your existing delivery plan. And our many locations enable you to receive care closer to home, both before and after your baby’s birth.

We coordinate with obstetrical care providers and neonatologists both at regional hospitals and at the Fetal and Pregnancy Health Program at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. We also partner with pediatricians and other pediatric subspecialists to provide comprehensive care, including coordination of developmental-behavioral pediatrics and other subspecialty care if it’s needed.

It’s our honor to become your close partner in caring for your baby before and after delivery. The cardiologist who sees you for your fetal echocardiogram will probably become your baby’s primary pediatric cardiologist at your local regional cardiology clinic.