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Fetal Echocardiography Test in Kolkata 2025: Procedure, Cost, Complications & Best Clinic
Introduction
Pregnancy is a journey that is full of love, joy, and perhaps a bit of anxiety. Every parent wants to ensure their baby is healthy. One of the most important steps during pregnancy is checking on your baby’s heart health. Among the many tests done during pregnancy, fetal echocardiography plays a crucial role if there is any concern about the baby’s heart.
If you’re curious about how fetal echocardiography can help you detect any possible heart issues in your baby early on—relax, we’ve got you covered with this detailed guide. In this article, we’ll guide you from the perspective of a pediatric cardiologist about fetal echocardiography in Kolkata in 2025 — from what it is, why it’s important, how it’s done its cost, and the best place to get it done, etc.
What is Fetal Echocardiography?
Fetal echocardiography is a specialized ultrasound that gives a detailed look at a baby’s heart before birth. It uses sound waves to create moving images of the heart, allowing doctors to see how the heart is forming and functioning.
Unlike a regular ultrasound that looks at the baby’s overall development, this test gives detailed pictures of the heart’s structure, chambers, valves, and blood flow.
Why is Fetal Echocardiography Important?
Fetal echocardiography is crucial for diagnosing prenatal heart defects early. The heart is one of the first organs to develop in a baby, and any issues with its formation can affect the baby’s health. Fetal echocardiography helps detect:
- Congenital heart defects (CHDs)
- Abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Problems with heart function
- Flow issues in the great arteries
Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in managing heart conditions in children.Detecting the problem early can prevent complications and help doctors create a more effective treatment plan, even before birth.
Who Needs a Fetal Echocardiography Test?
High-Risk Pregnancies
If the mother has conditions like diabetes or had infections during pregnancy like rubella, the baby is at a higher risk of heart problems.
Family History of Heart Problems
If there’s a family history of congenital heart disease, especially in parents or siblings, doctors recommend this test.
Abnormal Ultrasound Results
Sometimes, routine ultrasounds may show something unusual, such as fluid buildup or organ placement issues. In such cases, fetal echo gives the closer image to clarify the situation.
When is Fetal Echocardiography Done?
The best time to perform this test is between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. By this time, the baby’s heart is developed enough for detailed analysis.
How Does the Procedure Work?
Preparing for the Test
There’s usually no special preparation. You might be asked to drink water to fill your bladder, which helps with imaging.
The Actual Scan Process
You’ll lie down comfortably while a technician or Fetal Echo Cardiologist in Kolkata applies gel on your belly and uses a small probe (called a transducer) to send sound waves through your abdomen. These waves bounce back to create an image of your baby’s heart on a screen.
Duration of the Test
The duration of fetal echocardiography takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the baby’s position and movements.
What Can the Test Detect?
Fetal echocardiography can help diagnose:
- Holes in the heart (ASD, VSD)
- The sound waves create a picture by which a pediatric cardiologist in Kolkata checks for proper blood flow through the heart and main arteries.
- Narrow or blocked valves (stenosis)
- Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
- Structural defects like Tetralogy of Fallot
- Heart underdevelopment or malformations
Is the test safe?
Yes, the test is completely non-invasive and safe for both mother and baby. It doesn’t involve any radiation or harmful effects.
Cost of Fetal Echocardiography in Kolkata 2025
Factors Affecting the Price: The cost of Fetal echocardiography depends on the following factors:
- Clinic or hospital choice
- Expertise of the specialist
- Whether it’s part of a package or a standalone test
Average Cost Range
In 2025, the cost for fetal echocardiography in Kolkata generally ranges between ₹3,000 to ₹7,500. Festal Echo Cardiography cost in Kolkata depends on several factors, like well-equipped infrastructure, skilled technicians, quality services, the expert fetal echo cardiologist in Kolkata, etc.
Best Clinics for Fetal Echocardiography in Kolkata
NH RN Tagore Hospital, Mukundapur
One of the most trusted names in Kolkata, NH RN Tagore Hospital is known for its state-of-the-art cardiology unit and advanced fetal medicine center. They have expert pediatric cardiologists, fetal medicine specialists, and high-resolution ultrasound machines for accurate results.
Other Notable Centers with advanced equipment and specialists for fetal echocardiography in Kolkata:
- Institute of Fetal Medicine
- Ruby General Hospital
- Meditrust Diagnostic and Imaging Centre Pvt. Ltd.
- Meghna Diagnostic
- AccuhealthBaruipur
- Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital
- Manipal Hospitals
These centers also provide high-quality fetal echocardiography services with good patient care and follow-up.
How to Choose the Right Clinic or Specialist
When selecting the clinic for fetal echocardiography or Fetal Echo Cardiologist in Kolkata, consider the following:
- Check the qualifications and experience of the pediatric cardiologist.
- Ensure the hospital has good neonatal support in case a condition is detected.
- Look for modern ultrasound equipment.
- Read reviews and patient feedback.
- Choose a clinic with proper counseling services.
What Happens After the Test?
Once the scan is done:
- The specialist will discuss the findings with you.
- If everything looks normal, no further action is needed.
- If a problem is found, further tests or counseling may be advised by the pediatric cardiologist.
- Sometimes, delivery at a specialized hospital is recommended for babies with serious heart defects.
Possible Complications and Limitations
While fetal echocardiography is a powerful diagnostic tool, it has some limitations:
- It might not detect very minor defects.
- The baby’s position may affect the clarity of the images.
- It cannot predict how the heart defect will progress after birth.
Overall, complications from the test itself are extremely rare.
How to Prepare Emotionally as Expecting Parents
It’s normal to feel anxious before any medical test, especially when it concerns your baby. Here are a few tips:
- Talk to your doctor about your concerns.
- Bring your family member for support.
- Remember, most fetal echocardiograms show normal results.
- Even if a defect is found, modern medicine offers many solutions — early detection is key.
Conclusion
Fetal echocardiography is a critical tool for detecting heart problems in unborn babies. It’s safe, non-invasive, and gives expecting parents peace of mind or allows early intervention. In a growing city like Kolkata, the demand for high-quality fetal care is rising, and facilities like NH RN Tagore Hospital in Mukundapur are leading the way with world-class services. If you’re an expecting parent and fall into a high-risk category, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about this test.Choosing the right specialist, getting the test at the right time, and staying informed can make all the difference, and you can ensure the best possible outcomes for your pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by a Pediatric Cardiologist
- Is fetal echocardiography the same as a regular ultrasound?
No, it is a detailed heart scan done by a pediatric cardiologist or trained specialist using high-resolution ultrasound. - Can heart defects go away before birth?
Some minor conditions may resolve on their own, but major structural defects usually require monitoring and treatment planning. - Does the test hurt the baby?
Not at all. It’s completely safe and uses sound waves, not radiation. - Can I eat before the test?
Yes, you can eat normally. There are no dietary restrictions unless instructed by your doctor. - What if a problem is found?
You’ll be referred to a pediatric cardiologist and a fetal medicine expert. They’ll explain treatment options, which may include delivery planning or surgery after birth. - Is fetal echocardiography covered under health insurance?
Some insurance plans cover prenatal diagnostics, but it’s best to check with your provider. - Can the test be repeated if the baby’s position isn’t right?
Yes, if the image isn’t clear, doctors may ask you to come back after some time. - How soon do I get the results?
Usually, results are discussed immediately after the test or within 24 hours. - Can I choose a specific doctor for the scan?
Yes, if you’re going to a private facility, you can request a specific specialist. - Is fetal echo only needed for heart issues?
It’s mainly for heart evaluation, but it can also help assess overall fetal well-being.
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Dr. Debasree Gangopadhyay is a highly respected pediatric cardiologist based in Kolkata, India, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions in children. With a compassionate approach and a commitment to excellence, Dr. Gangopadhyay has made significant contributions to the field of pediatric cardiology. Her expertise includes managing congenital heart defects, arrhythmias, and other cardiovascular conditions in young patients. Dr. Gangopadhyay is dedicated to providing personalized care and staying updated with the latest advancements in pediatric cardiology. She is passionate about educating families on heart health and actively participates in research and community outreach programs.
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