Fetal Cardiac Care

When are fetal echocardiograms used?

Fetal echocardiograms are typically performed if there is a suspected congenital heart anomaly during an obstetrical ultrasound. They may also be performed due to certain risks factors, such as family history of heart disease, maternal illnesses, IVF pregnancies, tests that show the baby has a genetic or chromosomal abnormality and other issues.

Benefits of our care

Fetal Care Center: Cleveland Clinic’s Fetal Care Center is designed to address the complex needs of families facing rare fetal and or maternal disorders in pregnancy. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for both mother and baby while offering the support and information families need.
Special Delivery Unit: Our Special Delivery Unit is designed to offer world-class care to both mothers and babies who require intervention during labor, delivery and the postpartum/neonatal period. The Unit provides close proximity to the cardiac operating room, pediatric cardiac catheterization laboratory and cardiac intensive care unit. This allows moms and babies to stay close in the same building after delivery.
Expert team: Fetal cardiologists and pediatric sonographers work in conjunction with our multi-disciplinary Fetal Care Center. Our coordinated team of specialists meets on a regular basis to review each case and develop individualized plans for each family.
Fetal care coordinators: Dedicated fetal nurse care coordinators help moms and their babies get the best care and individual attention from diagnosis to delivery.
Prepare for delivery and after: A prenatal diagnosis allows moms time to prepare for their delivery and to create a plan of care after the baby is born.