Dr. Mathew's Fetal ScansCare for the Unborn

Fetal Echocardiography in Kollam – Fetal Heart Scan by Fellowship-Trained Specialist

A highly specialized, in-depth evaluation of the baby's heart structure, rhythm, and blood flow using advanced Doppler technology. Performed by Dr. Mathew Thomas, fellowship-trained at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi.

What is Fetal Echocardiography?

Fetal echocardiography is a dedicated, specialist ultrasound of the fetal heart. While a routine anomaly scan checks basic heart structures in approximately 5 minutes, a fetal echo is a complete 30–45 minute cardiac study examining all four chambers, all four valves, the great vessels, blood flow direction and velocity (Doppler), heart rate, and cardiac rhythm.

The Importance of Fellowship Training

The fetal heart is very small and beats rapidly, so examining each structure requires focused training and adequate time. Dr. Mathew Thomas completed a Fellowship in Fetal Echocardiography at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi. He personally performs the examination and explains the findings after the scan.

Who Needs a Fetal Echo?

A fetal echocardiogram is strongly recommended when:

High-Risk Indications

  • Family history of congenital heart disease (parent or sibling)
  • Previous child with a heart defect
  • Maternal pre-gestational diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
  • Maternal lupus or connective tissue disease / anti-Ro antibodies
  • Abnormal NT measurement (>3.5 mm) on first trimester scan
  • Suspected cardiac abnormality on routine anomaly scan
  • Multiple pregnancy (monochorionic twins)
  • IVF pregnancy
  • Maternal rubella infection in first trimester
  • Fetal arrhythmia detected on Doppler

When is it Done?

The standard time is 20 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. In high-risk cases (very elevated NT, anti-Ro antibodies, strong family history), an early echo can be done at 14–16 weeks using a transvaginal approach — providing a first-trimester cardiac diagnosis.

What Can Fetal Echo Detect?

  • Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) & Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
  • Tetralogy of Fallot
  • Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
  • Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
  • Coarctation of the Aorta
  • Pulmonary stenosis and Ebstein's anomaly
  • Cardiac arrhythmias (SVT, heart block)

Why Prenatal Cardiac Diagnosis Matters

A confirmed fetal cardiac diagnosis before birth allows delivery to be planned at a centre with a paediatric cardiac surgery unit, the neonatology team to be fully prepared, and prostaglandin therapy to be started immediately at birth if required. Many children born with prenatally diagnosed heart defects do very well with early, planned surgical correction.

Serving South Kerala: Fetal echocardiography by a fellowship-trained specialist — serving Kollam, Kottarakkara, Karunagappally, Kundara, Paravur, Punalur, Kayamkulam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, and Thiruvananthapuram.

Frequently Asked Questions – Fetal Echocardiography Kollam

Does every pregnant woman need a fetal echocardiogram?
No. A fetal echo is specifically indicated when risk factors for congenital heart disease are present — such as a family history of heart defects, maternal pre-gestational diabetes, an abnormal NT measurement, or a suspected cardiac finding on the TIFFA scan. For low-risk pregnancies, the cardiac views during the routine anomaly scan are generally sufficient.
When is fetal echocardiography done?
The standard window is 20 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. In high-risk situations — very elevated NT, maternal anti-Ro/La antibodies, or strong family history — an early echo can be performed at 14–16 weeks using a specialized transvaginal approach, providing a first-trimester cardiac diagnosis.
How is fetal echo different from the heart scan in my anomaly scan?
The TIFFA scan includes a basic cardiac assessment lasting approximately 5 minutes — the four-chamber view and outflow tracts. A fetal echocardiogram is a complete 30–45 minute dedicated cardiac study examining all chambers, valves, great vessels, blood flow direction and velocity (Doppler), heart rate, and cardiac function. Think of it as the difference between a general health check and a specialist cardiology review.
How long does a fetal echo take?
A comprehensive fetal echocardiogram takes 30 to 45 minutes. The fetal heart is smaller than a strawberry and beats over 140 times per minute — a thorough examination of all structures takes time and cannot be rushed.
Is fetal echocardiography painful or risky?
Fetal echo uses non-ionizing ultrasound waves and no X-ray radiation. Diagnostic ultrasound has no known harmful effects when medically indicated and performed by a trained professional using appropriate settings and exposure time.
How much does this scan or test cost?
Fees vary by the exact scan or test advised. Call 9562390009 for the current fee; the team will confirm it before your appointment.
When will I receive the result?
Ultrasound findings are discussed with you and the written scan report is normally provided on the same day. Laboratory tests have separate processing times, which are explained before testing.
How do I book an appointment?
Call 9562390009 or use the booking link on this page. Appointments are required so enough time can be reserved for the examination and discussion.

Authoritative sources

All answers written and medically reviewed by Dr. Mathew Thomas, MBBS, MD (Radiodiagnosis), FMF UK Certified · Last updated 17 July 2026

Book a Fetal Echocardiogram

Ensure your baby's heart is healthy with a specialized scan by our fellowship-trained expert.

You May Also Need

TIFFA Anomaly Scan

Comprehensive anatomy survey at 18–20 weeks.

Growth Scan & Doppler

Third trimester monitoring for growth and placenta.

NT Scan

First trimester chromosomal screening at 11–14 weeks.

Call 9562390009