Fetal Heart

Big Care for Tiny Hearts

CHRISTUS Health provides comprehensive fetal cardiac care to expecting families when there may be a risk of heart disease in the fetus. Our board-certified physicians and our multidisciplinary team can diagnose, counsel, create a delivery plan and provide postnatal care for fetal heart conditions.

Our state-of-the-art fetal echocardiography can detect a multitude of potential heart defects from 18-32 weeks gestation. If there are any abnormal results, our physicians provide families with evidence-based and informed counseling whose fetus has a congenital heart defect.

What is a Fetal Heart?

A fetal heart is the heart of a developing fetus. The fetal heart begins to develop in the very early stages of pregnancy and continues to grow and mature throughout the course of development.

The structure and function of a fetal heart are quite different from that of an adult heart, as they must be able to support rapid growth and cellular development during this period.

What Causes Heart Disease in the Fetus?

Some common causes include:

Birth defects
Exposure to certain medications or substances during pregnancy
Maternal health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
Genetic predisposition
Poor nutrition
Environmental factors

Some hereditary disorders can also increase the risk of developing heart disease in the fetus.

Signs and Symptoms

There are many signs and symptoms of heart disease in the fetus, babies and children, some of which include:

Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
Rapid or fast breathing
Poor growth or weight loss
Swelling in the abdomen, legs, or feet
Cold hands and feet due to poor circulation of blood
Changes in skin color, such as blueness or pale appearance

With early diagnosis and treatment, many cases of fetal heart disease can be managed successfully.

Risk Factors

There are several risk factors associated with heart disease in the fetus, including:

Genetic conditions or inherited disorders: Some genetic conditions and inherited disorders can affect the development of the cardiovascular system in the fetus, including their risk for heart disease.
Congenital defects: Certain congenital defects, such as holes in the heart or other structural anomalies, can also increase the risk of heart disease in the fetus.
Preterm birth: Babies born prematurely are at a higher risk for developing heart disease, as their bodies may be less able to adapt to changes in oxygen and nutrient levels.
Poor maternal health during pregnancy: Poor nutrition and stress, as well as certain medical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, can negatively impact the cardiovascular system in the fetus.

Diagnosis

Heart disease in the fetus can be diagnosed through a variety of different tests and procedures. All of these methods are non-invasive and provide useful information about the health of the baby’s heart. These tests include:

Ultrasound
Fetal echocardiography
MRI scans

Treatment

There are several different treatment options available to help manage and treat heart disease in the fetus:

Medication
Dietary changes
Surgery

Prevention

Some of the most important steps include having a healthy pregnancy, making lifestyle choices, and working with your doctor to monitor your baby’s health as early as possible. These include:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Eating a balanced diet
Getting regular exercise
Avoid smoking
Avoid drinking
Getting enough sleep
Managing stress levels

CHRISTUS Children's

CHRISTUS Children's is a leader in diagnosing and treating fetal heart conditions. We provide comprehensive, coordinated care for children from birth to age 18. Our caring teams are committed to providing high-quality service in a comfortable and safe setting.

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