Going for my fetal echocardiogram tomorrow

Has anyone had one? Can you tell me what to expect? I don't even have a clue as to what exactly they do. I just know that they give you the results right away so we will have a much better idea tomorrow how our baby is doing.

Re: Going for my fetal echocardiogram tomorrow

Never had one but hope all goes well.

Re: Going for my fetal echocardiogram tomorrow

Message edited 1/23/2008 8:15:23 PM.

Re: Going for my fetal echocardiogram tomorrow

Don't have any experience there, but lots of luck!!

Re: Going for my fetal echocardiogram tomorrow

I had one a few weeks ago and it was just an ultrasound focused on the heart. It took about 20 minutes or so.

Re: Going for my fetal echocardiogram tomorrow

I actually had two - very much like normal sonogram, they just focus in on the heart. They will give you the results right there. Instead of just a sonogram tech, there is a doctor that will also check the exam. It is really cool - you get to see the chambers of the heart and the blood flowing. The first one I had, at 14 weeks, was a little too early, but that is where I found out the sex of the baby. I went back for my second one and thank god, both were perfect.

Re: Going for my fetal echocardiogram tomorrow

I agree w/above poster. It's actually really cool. I needed it b/c of a heart condition I have, they just wanted to double-check the baby. I was 19.5 weeks when I went. Our sono tech was amazing, showed us not only all the chambers of the heart/etc, but then was really great & he showed us all the other organs, etc...and told us it was a girl 4 days before I went for my Level II. Then the doc came in, reviewed the info, and I was on my way. It's just a really detailed ultrasound, felt no different than the others.

Good luck--- it's another great time to see your baby. I brought DH and we were both mesmorized by seeing our little baby.

Re: Going for my fetal echocardiogram tomorrow

I have one scheduled for next week also...I never had one before but my doctor said its a stronger/more powerful ultrasound. Not sure if internal or external - does anyone know?

Re: Going for my fetal echocardiogram tomorrow

It is external. It is the same as a normal ultrasound, but the equiptment is more high tech - the picture is better, the focus is better. They need to get a sharp, clear, high-def. image of the heart. It is a more powerful ultrasound, but the manner in which they get the image is the same as a normal ultrasound. Nothing fancy!

Re: Going for my fetal echocardiogram tomorrow

Thank you everyone for the feedback. Now I have a better idea of what to expect. I will post tomorrow night and let everyone know the results.

Re: Going for my fetal echocardiogram tomorrow

Good Luck...everything will be ok...keep us posted!!

Re: Going for my fetal echocardiogram tomorrow

I had one and it was very easy. It's a sono, but they focus in specifically on the heart. The transducer was a little smaller and not as comfortable as the regular sono, but not bad at all. It took 15 minutes and they told me the results right away. It was actually very cool. Good luck!

Re: Going for my fetal echocardiogram tomorrow

I am going for this as well the first week in Feb. I have a fast heart rate due to anxiety so my OB is sending me to get this done just to be sure although she claims I shouldn't have anything to worry about.

Good Luck!!