Brilio.net - Congenital heart disease is one of the abnormalities that can occur in a fetus during pregnancy. This abnormality occurs due to abnormal development of the heart while the fetus is in the womb. Knowing the condition of the fetus' heart early on is very important so that parents can prepare the steps needed to care for the child.
Genetic screening is one of the effective ways to detect potential congenital heart disease in the fetus. With the examination, parents can understand the risks that may be faced and get accurate information about the condition of the fetus. Therefore, it is very important to do the right examination and according to the doctor's advice during pregnancy.
There are several ways to check for congenital heart disease in the fetus, either through medical examination or genetic screening. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here brilio.net collected from various sources on Monday (30/9), six ways that can be done to check for congenital heart disease in the fetus, so that parents can be more relaxed during pregnancy.
1. Ultrasonography (USG) examination.
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Ultrasonography (USG) examination is the first most common method. Ultrasonography is performed to see the structure of the fetal heart more clearly. This examination is usually performed in the second trimester or 18 weeks of pregnancy, where the doctor can evaluate the anatomy of the heart and detect any structural abnormalities.
Through ultrasound, doctors can see the size of the heart, its position, and other anatomical structures. If there are indications of abnormalities, the doctor will recommend further examination. Ultrasound is also safe to do and does not harm the fetus, making it an ideal choice for early screening.
2. Maternal blood test.
Blood tests performed on pregnant women can provide valuable information about the health of the fetus. One of the tests that is often performed is a genetic marker examination, such as the Penta Screen. The results of this test can provide an indication of the risk of abnormalities, including congenital heart disease.
If the test results show a high risk, your doctor may recommend further testing, such as amniocentesis or CVS (chorionic villus sampling). These blood tests are fairly simple and can be done at regular prenatal visits. By having information from the blood test, parents can be better prepared for the next steps.
3. Fetal echocardiography.
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Fetal echocardiography is a more specific method for examining the fetal heart. This examination uses sound waves to provide detailed images of the heart's structure and function. Generally, echocardiography is performed if there is an early indication from an ultrasound or if there is a history of heart disease in the family.
Through echocardiography, doctors can observe blood flow, the size of the heart chambers, and the fetal heartbeat. This examination is very accurate in detecting various types of heart defects. If problems are found, doctors can plan the right treatment, both during pregnancy and after birth.
4. Amniocentesis.
Amniocentesis is a procedure in which a doctor takes a sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus. This fluid contains fetal cells that can be analyzed to detect genetic and chromosomal abnormalities. This procedure is usually done if there is a high risk based on the results of an ultrasound or blood test.
Although amniocentesis provides accurate information, it does carry certain risks, such as miscarriage. Therefore, it is important to discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor before undergoing this test. If the results show an abnormality, the next steps can be considered more carefully.
5. CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling).
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CVS is another procedure that involves taking a tissue sample from the placenta. It is performed in the first trimester of pregnancy and can provide genetic information earlier than amniocentesis. CVS results can help identify the risk of congenital heart disease and other abnormalities.
Like amniocentesis, CVS also carries certain risks, including miscarriage. However, many parents find this procedure more comfortable because it is performed earlier. Discussing this decision with your doctor is important to ensure the health of both mother and baby.
6. Fetal heart rate monitoring.
Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring (HFM) is another way to ensure the health of the fetus' heart. Using a device called a Doppler, the doctor can listen to the fetus' heartbeat and identify any problems with blood flow. This test is usually performed during routine checkups in the second and third trimesters.
If there is an irregularity in the heartbeat, the doctor can perform further tests to assess the condition of the fetus' heart. This method is quite simple and non-invasive, so it does not harm the fetus. Monitoring the heart rate regularly can be an important step in detecting problems early.