13 - 22 weeks of Pregnancy
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What is a Fetal Heart Scan?
Why should I need a Fetal Heart Scan?
Is there any other reason why I might be referred for a Fetal Heart Scan?
Who will perform my Fetal Heart Scan?
What happens during a Fetal Heart Scan?
How many Fetal Heart Scans may I need?
When will I receive the results of my Fetal Heart Scan?
What happens if an abnormality is discovered during my Fetal Heart Scan?
How much does a Fetal Heart Scan cost?
Anything else I should know about Fetal Heart Scans?
Why should I have a Fetal Heart Scan at The London Ultrasound Centre?
How do I book a Fetal Heart Scan?
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What is a Fetal Heart Scan?
A Fetal Heart Scan is an ultrasound examination of the heart of your baby usually performed by a Consultant Fetal Medicine Specialist and sometimes by Fetal Cardiologist (also known as an Echocardiologist.)
Sometimes this type of scan is called an Echocardiogram.
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Why should I need a Fetal Heart Scan?
You may have been advised to have a Fetal Heart Scan by your consultant, midwife or sometimes a sonographer who performed a previous scan for one of the following reasons:
- An irregularity in your baby’s heart has been noted
- You have a family history of congenital heart problems
- A previous child was been born with heart disease
- You (the mother to be) have diabetes
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Is there any other reason why I might be referred for a Fetal Heart Scan?
You may have be referred for a Fetal Heart Scan if during your Nuchal Scan your baby's nuchal measurement measured larger than 2.5mm.
This is a routine protocol and should not be cause for concern.
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Who will perform my Fetal Heart Scan?
A Fetal Heart Scan is always performed by consultant Dr John Simpson, a Fetal Cardiologist.
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What happens during a Fetal Heart Scan?
During a Fetal Heart scan the consultant will:
- Consult with you on your case histroy
- Review your previous scan reports
- Perform a detailed scan of your baby's heart
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How many Fetal Heart Scans may I need?
The number of Fetal Heart Scans required will vary depending on individual cases, however Fetal Heart Scans that are performed early in your pregnancy to exclude major heart deformaties may have to be repeated later in the pregnancy when the fetal heart is more developed.
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When will I receive the results of my Fetal Heart Scan?
If your Fetal Heart Scan was performed by a Fetal Medicine Specialist you will receive your medical report at the end of our appointment.
If your Fetal Heart Scan was performed by a Fetal Cardiologist you will receive a letter from the consultant within 48hours of your appointment.
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What happens if an abnormality is discovered during my Fetal Heart Scan?
If a your baby is diagnosed with a fetal-cardio abnormality your medical scan report will be forwarded on to your midwife or consultant.
If you do not have a consultant you may be offered additional care with our Fetal Cardiologist Dr John Simpson at the Fetal and Paediatric Congenital Heart Disease Unit at Guy’s and St Thomas Hospital.
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How much does a Fetal Heart Scan cost?
Our Fetal Heart Scan prices are divided into three stages that are dependent on the reason for having the scan:
- Your baby has been identified as being at higher risk of having a heart problem (e.g. raised nuchal measurement) but no specific problem has yet been diagnosed
- Your baby has been positively diagniosed with a heart problem but you haven't yet seen a fetal cardilogist or consultant specialist
- Your baby has been positively diagnosed with a heart problem, you have seen a specialist and are seeking a second opinion
Our advertised price is for the first, most common reason for having a fetal heart scan.
Please call us if you would like to know costs for the second and third stage fetal heart scans
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Anything else I should know about Fetal Heart Scans?
At The London Ultrasound Centre we check your baby's heart in every scan that we do.
We do this so that any concerns with your baby's heart can be diagnosed as early as possible and you are able to receive the very best in early fetal-cardio care.
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Why should I have a Fetal Heart Scan at The London Ultrasound Centre?
Having a Fetal Heart Scan at The London Ultrasound Centre ensures you are seen quickly and by an acknowledged expert consultant.
Fetal Heart Scans are not usually offered on the NHS from 14 - 20 weeks gestation, and so by having an echocardiogram performed privately you will be able gain valuable reassurance before your NHS 20 week Anomaly Scan.
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How do I book a Fetal Heart Scan?
For prices and to make a booking please see our online booking website.
Please be prepared to be flexible with your choice of appointment date as our Fetal Medicine Specialists and Fetal Cardiologist are not available on every day.
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