Fetal Echocardiography in Nagpur
(Fetal Echo / Fetal Heart Scan)
A fetal echocardiogram is a dedicated, in-depth examination of your baby's heart — far beyond the basic cardiac check in a routine anomaly scan. At Mayflower Fetal Medicine Centre, every fetal echo is performed personally by Dr. Kunda Shahane using the GE Voluson Signature Expert with STIC 4D cardiac imaging and fetalHS AI.
| Also called | Fetal echo, fetal heart scan, cardiac morphology scan |
| Best timing | 18–24 weeks (optimal: 20–22 weeks) |
| Early echo | 14–16 weeks (limited but possible) |
| Duration | 45–60 minutes |
| Machine | GE Voluson Signature Expert |
| Special tech | STIC 4D + fetalHS AI + Color Doppler |
| PCPNDT | Fully compliant — no fetal sex disclosure |
What is Fetal Echocardiography?
Fetal echocardiography — often called a "fetal echo" or "fetal heart scan" — is a specialised, dedicated ultrasound examination that focuses entirely on the fetal heart. It is performed by a trained fetal medicine specialist and takes 45–60 minutes, assessing every chamber, wall, valve, and great vessel of the heart, along with the heart's rhythm and blood flow patterns using Color Doppler.
The heart is the most complex organ that develops in utero. Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects approximately 8–10 babies per 1,000 live births — making it the most common birth defect, more frequent than Down syndrome. Many forms of CHD are entirely treatable when diagnosed before birth. Fetal echocardiography gives Dr. Kunda Shahane — and your entire care team — the information needed to plan the safest possible delivery and earliest possible treatment.
Why is fetal echo separate from the anomaly scan? The anomaly scan includes a basic cardiac screening survey. Fetal echocardiography goes far deeper — it is a dedicated specialist-level cardiac assessment that examines structures the anomaly scan does not fully assess, including valve function, pulmonary vein connections, ductal and aortic arches, and 4D cardiac volumes using STIC technology.
How Is Fetal Echo Different from the Anomaly Scan?
Many parents wonder whether a normal anomaly scan means a fetal echo is unnecessary. The two scans serve very different purposes and one does not replace the other.
Basic Screening Level
- 4-chamber view — chambers present, roughly equal
- Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) visible
- Right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) visible
- 3-vessel trachea view (3VT) assessed
- Heart position and axis
- Heart size relative to chest
- Basic heart rate noted
- Part of a whole-body survey — not the focus
Dedicated Diagnostic Level
- All of the anomaly scan cardiac views, plus:
- Color Doppler through ALL cardiac structures
- Valve structure and function (4 valves)
- Ductal arch and aortic arch morphology
- Pulmonary vein connections assessed
- Atrial and ventricular septae in detail
- M-mode for rhythm analysis
- STIC 4D volume — multiplanar cardiac review
- fetalHS AI — systematic step-by-step cardiac check
- 45–60 minutes dedicated to the heart alone
A normal anomaly scan does not guarantee a structurally normal heart — it is a screening level assessment. If there is any indication for a closer look, Dr. Kunda Shahane will recommend a dedicated fetal echo.
When Is Fetal Echocardiography Done?
The standard timing window for fetal echocardiography is 18–24 weeks, with the optimal period being 20–22 weeks when cardiac structures are largest and most clearly visible.
If you are referred after an anomaly scan finding: Please contact Mayflower Clinic promptly. The ideal window for fetal echo is 18–24 weeks, and timely booking ensures the best possible image quality and maximum decision-making time.
Who Should Have Fetal Echocardiography?
Fetal echo is a targeted investigation — recommended for pregnancies with specific risk factors for congenital heart disease. If any of the following apply to you, Dr. Kunda Shahane recommends a dedicated fetal echo:
What Does Dr. Kunda Shahane Evaluate?
Every fetal echocardiography at Mayflower Clinic is a systematic, comprehensive examination. Dr. Kunda Shahane evaluates all cardiac views listed below — each with specific clinical significance. The table shows what is assessed and what conditions each view is designed to detect.
| Cardiac View / Structure | What Dr. Kunda Shahane Assesses | Conditions That Can Be Detected |
|---|---|---|
| ❤️ 4-Chamber View | Size and symmetry of left and right ventricles and atria; thickness of ventricular walls; integrity of the interventricular septum; mitral and tricuspid valve structure and opening; cardiac position and axis within the chest; heart-to-chest ratio | Hypoplastic Left Heart (HLHS) Hypoplastic Right Heart Ebstein's Anomaly AVSD Large VSD |
| 🔵 Left Ventricular Outflow Tract (LVOT) | Aortic valve morphology and opening; aortic root diameter; relationship between the aortic root and the interventricular septum (key for diagnosing ventricular septal defects near the aortic valve) | Subaortic stenosis Outlet VSD Overriding aorta (Tetralogy of Fallot) Double outlet RV |
| 🔴 Right Ventricular Outflow Tract (RVOT) | Pulmonary valve morphology and opening; main pulmonary artery diameter and branching; pulmonary trunk continuity and size relative to the aorta | Pulmonary stenosis / atresia Absent pulmonary valve RVOT obstruction |
| 🔷 3-Vessel Trachea View (3VT) | Spatial alignment, relative sizes, and sidedness of the main pulmonary artery, aorta, and superior vena cava; their relationship to the trachea; 'V' sign of the ductal and aortic arches | Transposition of Great Arteries (TGA) Truncus arteriosus Right-sided aortic arch TOF with PA atresia |
| 🌀 Ductal & Aortic Arches | Continuity and diameter of the aortic arch from the left ventricle through to the descending aorta; presence of narrowing; ductal arch size and direction; isthmus diameter (critical for coarctation screening) | Coarctation of aorta Interrupted aortic arch Aortic arch hypoplasia |
| 🔵 Pulmonary Veins | Identification of all four pulmonary veins connecting to the left atrium; verification of correct drainage | Total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) Partial anomalous venous return |
| 〰️ Atrial Septum (Foramen Ovale) | Foramen ovale flap — size and mobility; direction of atrial-level shunting; atrial septal integrity | Premature foramen ovale closure Significant ASD Left atrial restrictive inflow |
| 📡 Color Doppler — All Structures | Blood flow direction, velocity, and turbulence through all four chambers, all four valves, and both outflow tracts; identification of any abnormal flow direction or regurgitation | Valve regurgitation Abnormal shunting Flow direction reversal High-velocity stenotic jets |
| 📈 M-Mode (Rhythm Analysis) | Simultaneous tracing of atrial and ventricular wall motion to measure heart rate, regularity, and the relationship between atrial and ventricular beats (PR interval equivalent) | Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) Complete heart block AV dissociation Bradyarrhythmia |
| 🎞️ STIC 4D Volume | Spatio-Temporal Image Correlation: a 4D volume of the beating heart captured and reconstructed for review in any plane offline — particularly valuable for complex spatial relationships between chambers and great vessels that are difficult to assess on sequential 2D views | Complex CHD spatial anatomy Subtle outflow tract anomalies Heterotaxy / situs anomalies |
GE Voluson Signature Expert — STIC & fetalHS AI
Fetal echocardiography at Mayflower Clinic is performed on the GE Voluson Signature Expert — the global reference standard for specialist fetal cardiac assessment. Two specific technologies on this machine make a decisive difference in cardiac diagnosis quality:
GE Voluson Signature Expert — Cardiac-Specific Technologies
The same platform used in the world's leading fetal medicine and paediatric cardiology centres — now available in Nagpur at Mayflower Clinic.
Congenital Heart Conditions That Can Be Detected
Fetal echocardiography can identify a wide range of congenital heart conditions before birth. Early detection enables planned delivery at an appropriate facility, immediate neonatal cardiac intervention when needed, and informed parental preparation.
| Condition | Abbreviation | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Ventricular Septal Defect | VSD | A hole in the wall between the two main pumping chambers. The most common congenital heart defect. Small VSDs often close on their own; larger ones may require intervention. |
| Atrial Septal Defect | ASD | A hole in the wall between the two receiving chambers. Small ASDs may be normal variations that close by the time the baby is born or shortly after; significant ones require monitoring or repair. |
| Tetralogy of Fallot | TOF | A combination of four cardiac defects including VSD, overriding aorta, pulmonary stenosis, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Correctable by surgery in the first year of life. |
| Transposition of the Great Arteries | TGA | The aorta and pulmonary artery arise from the wrong ventricles, meaning oxygenated and deoxygenated blood circulate in separate loops. Requires surgery within the first few days of life — prenatal diagnosis is life-saving. |
| Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome | HLHS | The entire left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped. One of the most serious cardiac conditions — requires staged surgical reconstruction beginning within the first week of life. Prenatal diagnosis allows planned delivery at a cardiac surgical centre. |
| Coarctation of the Aorta | CoA | A narrowing of the main artery leaving the heart. Can present as a neonatal emergency when the ductus arteriosus closes. Prenatal diagnosis allows treatment planning before the critical period. |
| Atrioventricular Septal Defect | AVSD | A large defect involving both the atrial septum, ventricular septum, and AV valves. Strongly associated with Down syndrome. Correctable by surgery but requires early diagnosis and planned management. |
| Pulmonary Stenosis / Atresia | PS / PA | Narrowing (stenosis) or complete closure (atresia) of the pulmonary valve, restricting blood flow to the lungs. Severity ranges from mild to critical depending on degree of obstruction. |
| Ebstein's Anomaly | EA | The tricuspid valve is abnormally positioned deep in the right ventricle, causing tricuspid regurgitation and right ventricular dysfunction. Associated with maternal lithium exposure and cardiac arrhythmias. |
| Congenital Heart Block | CHB | The electrical signal between the atria and ventricles is blocked, causing persistent fetal bradycardia. Associated with maternal anti-Ro/anti-La antibodies (SLE/lupus). Requires postnatal pacing in severe cases. |
Important: Finding a congenital heart condition on fetal echo does not mean the outcome will be poor. Many forms of CHD are highly treatable — some resolve without intervention, others are correctable with surgery. The purpose of fetal echo is to give your care team the information needed to plan the right response from the moment of delivery.
What Happens After the Fetal Echo?
Whether the result is normal or shows a concern, Dr. Kunda Shahane will discuss the findings with you in the same session, clearly and compassionately. Here is what to expect:
A structurally normal heart is confirmed. You receive a detailed written report. In most cases, no further cardiac monitoring is needed unless your clinical situation changes.
Some findings — such as a small VSD or echogenic focus — require monitoring but not immediate intervention. Dr. Kunda will explain the significance and arrange appropriate follow-up imaging.
Dr. Kunda will explain the condition clearly. She will discuss whether chromosomal testing (NIPT or amniocentesis) is appropriate, and will refer to a paediatric cardiologist for multidisciplinary planning.
For conditions requiring immediate neonatal cardiac care, Dr. Kunda helps plan delivery at a hospital with the appropriate neonatal cardiac surgical team — giving your baby the best possible start.
Genetic counseling: When a cardiac defect is found alongside other structural anomalies or an elevated chromosomal risk, Dr. Kunda Shahane provides integrated genetic counseling and can coordinate NIPT or amniocentesis to complete the picture before decisions are made.
Frequently Asked Questions
My anomaly scan was normal — do I still need a fetal echo?
It depends on your risk factors. If your anomaly scan cardiac assessment was entirely normal and you have no personal, family, or maternal risk factors for congenital heart disease, a dedicated fetal echo may not be necessary.
However, if you have any of the indications listed in Section 4 — elevated NT, family history of CHD, maternal diabetes, chromosomal risk, or fetal arrhythmia — a dedicated fetal echo is recommended even after a normal anomaly scan, because the anomaly scan's cardiac assessment is a screening tool, not a diagnostic one.
Can fetal echo detect all heart defects?
Fetal echocardiography has excellent detection rates for major structural heart defects — particularly those with abnormal 4-chamber views or outflow tract views. However, some conditions are inherently difficult to diagnose before birth, including small ASDs (which are often physiologically normal), mild coarctation of the aorta, and minor valve abnormalities.
A normal fetal echo significantly reduces the probability of a serious cardiac defect — it does not rule out all possible cardiac conditions with absolute certainty. This is disclosed in every fetal echo report.
What is STIC — how does it help in fetal echo?
STIC (Spatio-Temporal Image Correlation) is a 4D cardiac imaging technology available on the GE Voluson Signature Expert. It acquires a volume of the beating fetal heart over several seconds, then reconstructs it as a 4D dataset that can be reviewed in any cross-sectional plane offline.
This is particularly valuable for complex congenital heart defects where the spatial relationships between chambers and great vessels are difficult to understand from sequential 2D views. STIC allows Dr. Kunda to navigate the fetal heart like a virtual model — identifying subtle abnormalities that might be missed on standard 2D sweeps.
I have been told my baby has a VSD — how serious is that?
VSD (ventricular septal defect) is the most common congenital heart defect, and the outcome depends almost entirely on the size and location of the hole. Small muscular VSDs frequently close on their own — often before birth or within the first two years of life — and require no treatment. Larger VSDs, or those in certain locations, may need surgical or catheter-based closure.
Dr. Kunda Shahane will explain the specific location, size, and likely clinical significance of any VSD found, and will discuss the monitoring and management plan based on the specific findings in your baby's case.
Is fetal echo safe? Does it use radiation?
Fetal echocardiography is completely safe. It uses diagnostic ultrasound — high-frequency sound waves — not radiation. There is no X-ray, no CT, no MRI, and no contrast injection involved. Diagnostic ultrasound has been used in pregnancy for over 50 years and has an excellent safety record with no known harmful effects at the energies used for diagnostic imaging.
My first pregnancy had a heart defect — will this baby have one too?
Having a previous child with congenital heart disease does increase the risk of CHD in subsequent pregnancies compared to the general population. The degree of increased risk depends on the type of defect and whether it is associated with a genetic syndrome. Overall, the recurrence risk is typically in the range of 2–3% for isolated CHD, compared to a background risk of approximately 0.8–1% in the general population.
This means the vast majority of subsequent pregnancies will not have a cardiac defect — but a dedicated fetal echo is strongly recommended for monitoring, and for reassurance.
What preparation do I need before a fetal echo?
No fasting is required. Eat and drink normally before your appointment. Drink 2–3 glasses of water 30–45 minutes before the scan to maintain a moderately full bladder. Bring all previous scan reports, your referral note, and your antenatal card. Allow 60 minutes for the appointment. You are welcome to bring a companion for support.
"When I perform a fetal echocardiogram, I am looking at the most complex structure in the human body — one that is still being built. Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect, and yet it remains one of the conditions families are least prepared for, because a normal anomaly scan gives a false sense of cardiac security. The fetal echo changes that. In my experience, finding a cardiac condition before birth — even a serious one — gives the family and the medical team the chance to choose the right hospital, assemble the right team, and act immediately at delivery. That preparation transforms outcomes. Parents who come to Mayflower for a fetal echo leave knowing exactly what their baby's heart looks like — and what the plan is if anything needs to change."
Book Fetal Echocardiography in Nagpur
Dedicated specialist fetal heart scan by Dr. Kunda Shahane — Central India's first fetal medicine specialist — using GE Voluson Signature Expert with STIC 4D and fetalHS AI. Available at 18–24 weeks gestation.
Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High-Risk Pregnancy Centre strictly complies with the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994. Sex determination and sex-selective practices are strictly prohibited and punishable by law. All fetal echocardiography and ultrasound services at this centre are performed exclusively for lawful medical indications — cardiac assessment, fetal wellbeing, and diagnosis of congenital heart disease. Disclosure of fetal sex is illegal and is not performed at this centre under any circumstances.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general patient education only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Fetal echocardiography findings require interpretation in the context of your complete clinical history. Please consult Dr. Kunda Shahane or your treating obstetrician for advice specific to your pregnancy. Do not use this website for emergency medical decisions — in an emergency, contact your nearest hospital immediately.
