Fetal Heart Clinic

Birth defects of the baby’s heart are the most common form of congenital (birth) malformations. They affect around 1 in 100 babies. Most of these are minor defects like small holes in the heart wall that may close spontaneously during pregnancy or after birth. Other defects are considered major heart malformations like large holes in the heart wall, abnormal vessel connections, abnormal development of the heart valves, and malalignment or maldevelopment of the heart chambers.

Major fetal heart malformations may be due to a chromosomal abnormality like Down Syndrome, or a genetic syndrome. In other cases, these malformations are isolated meaning that they occur without any other problem in the fetus. A detailed fetal ultrasound with an expert operator should be able to detect the majority of fetal heart defects at the mid-pregnancy detailed fetal ultrasound examination (the 18-23 weeks Anomaly Scan). Some serious defects may even be detected earlier especially when a collection of fluid is apparent at the back of the fetal neck on 11-14 weeks ultrasound examination.

With fetal heart malformations, it is very crucial to have an exact diagnosis. Dr Abi Nader is an expert in these conditions. Many of the isolated fetal heart problems are highly treatable after birth. With a correct diagnosis, your baby will get the most appropriate treatment and care directly after birth. You will also have the chance to see a pediatric cardiology specialist (a pediatrician who specializes in babies’ hearts) during your pregnancy. This will help you discuss in more detail what to expect once the baby is born, the required medical follow-up or interventions, and plan surgery if needed.

Sometimes, the fetal heart does not function well even though its structure is normal, a condition called cardiac dysfunction. This might lead the fetal heart to fail and puts the baby at an increased risk for serious complications like fetal hydrops, where the baby starts accumulating fluid. Fetal cardiac dysfunction may be due to severe fetal anemia, a collection of fluid around the fetal lungs, extra blood flow which occurs in twins that share a common placenta, or may be due to a viral infection (parvovirus) or a problem with the fetal heart beats.

In many of these conditions, treatment of the cause restores the heart function towards normal. We offer treatments that involve giving a blood transfusion to the fetus in cases of severe anemia, aspiration of fluid compressing the fetal heart, medications given to the mother to treat the baby’s irregular heartbeat, and other appropriate fetal treatments depending on the condition.

Dr Abi Nader specializes in diagnosing and treating fetal conditions. Please do not hesitate to contact us for appointment and advice.