Detecting heart problems before birth
Early detection of congenital heart problems saves lives. As the largest, most comprehensive program in the upper Midwest for both prenatal and postnatal cardiovascular care, the Fetal Cardiology Program at Children’s Minnesota is here to help improve outcomes for our tiniest heart patients.
For questions, please call 612-964-6344.
What is a fetal echocardiogram?
A fetal echocardiogram (fetal echo) is a specialized prenatal ultrasound that takes a detailed look at your baby’s heart before birth. It is used to diagnose heart conditions during pregnancy.
A fetal echo typically takes 30–60 minutes. These exams are performed at specialized maternal‑fetal medicine clinics and comprehensive fetal care centers, such as Midwest Fetal Care Center—a collaboration between Allina Health and Children’s Minnesota.
There are many reasons your health care provider may recommend a fetal echocardiogram. Learn more about why a fetal echo may be needed, what to expect during the exam, and how results are used to plan care.
Why choose our fetal heart program
Largest, most experienced program in the upper Midwest: We provide prenatal cardiac care across 6 fetal clinic locations in the greater Twin Cities and partner closely with numerous maternal-fetal medicine programs. As part of Midwest Fetal Care Center—a national referral center and regional leader in fetal diagnosis and intervention—we work closely with maternal‑fetal medicine and fetal interventional specialists to provide seamless, coordinated care before birth and help plan for care after delivery.
Advanced diagnostics: Our specialized team of fetal cardiologists can diagnose fetal heart conditions as early as 14 weeks of pregnancy. Using state‑of‑the‑art fetal echocardiography, we perform more than 2000 fetal heart ultrasounds each year, with a diagnostic accuracy of more than 95%.
Seamless, coordinated support: From early diagnosis through our Fetal Cardiology Program to lifelong care through our Children’s Heart Clinic and Edward J. Phillips Cardiovascular Care Center (CVCC), we treat patients with the full spectrum of heart conditions, including complex and high‑risk cases. Through our cardiology program’s partnership in the Mayo Clinic – Children’s Minnesota Cardiovascular Collaborative, we further expand access to specialized expertise and innovation at every stage of care.
A lifelong partner in care: Children’s Minnesota and The Children’s Heart Clinic care for your child every step of the way to ensure continuity of care from diagnosis to delivery. After birth, families can feel confident knowing their child’s care continues within one of the largest and most experienced pediatric cardiology programs in the region, offering comprehensive cardiovascular services, from routine monitoring to advanced surgical care, throughout childhood and into adulthood.
Preparing a care plan for your baby
With an accurate prenatal diagnosis, parents and their care team can work together to create an individualized plan for their baby. If that plan includes fetal intervention, Midwest Fetal Care Center is a national leader in fetal medicine and a pioneer in in‑utero surgery. If treatment is planned after birth, Children’s Minnesota offers the region’s largest high‑risk neonatal program, with outcomes that rank among the best in the world.
FAQ about our fetal cardiology program
When will I know if I need a fetal echo?
At your routine OB scan, your OB specialist will let you know that you need an appointment with a fetal cardiologist from our team. A referral from your OB specialist is required for an appointment. Typically, your OB specialist will refer you for a fetal echo if they detect something abnormal with your baby’s heart during a routine ultrasound. They may also suggest you have an echocardiogram if you have a family history of heart defects or have other risk factors.
Where can I receive fetal cardiology care?
We have fetal cardiology clinic locations in Coon Rapids, Edina, Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, and St. Paul. Learn more about our locations here.
What should you expect after a fetal echocardiogram?
You will get your test results the same day following your fetal echo. Once all the images are obtained, our fetal cardiologist will review the results with you. They have specific expertise in caring for unborn babies with heart conditions and can help explain the results to you in detail. If your baby has a heart defect or heart rhythm abnormality, our fetal cardiology team will take as much time as needed to answer your questions.
Why choose Children’s Minnesota for a fetal echocardiogram?
We are the largest fetal cardiology program in the upper Midwest with state-of-the-art ultrasound machines that produce better images for a more accurate diagnosis. Our team of fetal cardiologists and sonographers have extensive training in complex congenital heart defects and heart rhythm abnormalities. During your visit, we spend extra time with you to get the best images possible. We will explain the results, answer questions and, if needed, create a care plan just for your family.
If your baby has a congenital heart defect, you can deliver at The Mother Baby Center in Minneapolis, which specializes in caring for babies with birth defects and women with high-risk pregnancies. This allows your baby to receive the best care possible right after birth and lets you stay close to your baby while they’re receiving the care they need at Children’s Minnesota.
For questions regarding the Fetal Cardiology Program, please call 612-964-6344.
