Fetal Heart Program
The fetal heart program at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital works closely with families whose children have been diagnosed with a heart defect before birth. Our team coordinates services from prenatal evaluation, initial diagnosis, and education, to delivery, cardiac surgery, and ongoing care. Our goal is to provide a smooth transition from pregnancy to newborn care. As part of Iowa’s only comprehensive congenital heart disease program, our team provides specialized care for both mother and baby during pregnancy and after delivery. Once a heart defect is diagnosed, pediatric heart doctors, pediatric heart surgeons, and University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics obstetricians work together to plan the best delivery and care options for you and your baby. A fetal echocardiogram is a special test performed during the pregnancy to look at the position, size, structure, function, and rhythm of an unborn baby’s heart. This test can lead to early diagnosis of congenital heart disease. Research shows that early detection of fetal congenital heart disease improves outcomes for your baby due to immediate access to medical and surgical care (if needed) after birth. Fetal echocardiograms are recommended if any of the following indicators are found:Fetal Echocardiograms
Learn more about high-risk obstetrics.
Congenital heart defect indicator: Nuchal translucency
Nuchal Translucency is the fluid in the area behind the neck of all babies when they are in the womb. This size of this fluid is called nuchal translucency (NT). The reason why some babies have more fluid behind their neck than others is not known. What we do know is:
A baby in the mother’s womb that has normal chromosomes, but more fluid behind the neck, has a higher chance for congenital heart disease.
The more abnormal the NT measurement is, the higher the risk for a major congenital heart defect.
Related Services
Locations and Contact
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UI Stead Family Children's Hospital
2801 Pappajohn Pavilion
200 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, Iowa 52242Hours
- Monday through Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact
- 1-319-356-3537