CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Private foetal cardiac scan
- Appointments with a foetal cardiac specialist confirmed within 24 hours
- State-of-the-art ultrasound equipment
- Exceptional private facilities and prenatal care
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Foetal cardiac scan at HCA UK
Why choose us
We understand how important it is to monitor your baby's health and development throughout your pregnancy. A foetal cardiac scan can provide reassurance during these crucial stages, and we're here to make the experience as comforting as possible for parents.
Our team of cardiac specialists and experienced paediatric cardiology consultants will guide you through each step of the process. They’ll offer support and answer any questions you may have. With our state-of-the-art ultrasound technology, you can rest assured that you'll receive high-quality care.
We also offer a range of additional screenings and services to give you peace of mind throughout your pregnancy, ensuring you always feel informed and supported.
A foetal cardiac scan is a detailed ultrasound examination that provides a clear picture of your baby's heart as it’s developing during pregnancy. The scan uses ultrasound imaging to monitor and assess the baby's heart structure and function, as well as blood vessels and blood flow.
While it's normal to have scans during your pregnancy, a foetal cardiac ultrasound enables doctors to detect any potential heart problems or anomalies as early as possible while your baby grows. Your cardiac specialist will often perform these scans during 18-23 weeks of pregnancy, but they may perform them as early as 13 weeks.
Foetal cardiac scans are simple, harmless tests for you and your baby using the same technology as regular ultrasound pregnancy scans. If you have any concerns ahead of the procedure, your specialist obstetrician will be there to put your mind at ease.
A foetal cardiac scan will give you peace of mind about your baby's development during pregnancy. They’re typically undertaken after routine pregnancy ultrasounds during the second trimester. It provides a more detailed picture of your baby's heart and ensures it’s developing and functioning normally.
Your consultant obstetrician may recommend a foetal cardiac scan for two main reasons:
Findings from your routine pregnancy scan:
- Your routine pregnancy ultrasound scan doesn’t show the baby's heart clearly.
- Your routine pregnancy ultrasound has suggested there may be a problem with the baby’s heart.
- Your baby has an abnormal or irregular heartbeat.
- Other abnormalities surrounding the baby's health that might be associated with heart problems were detected during a routine pregnancy ultrasound.
- Your routine pregnancy scan may have identified an increased amount of fluid behind your baby's neck (increased nuchal translucency measurement).
- Either a parent or a previous child has been diagnosed with a congenital heart condition, suggesting the baby is at increased risk.
- You have health conditions that could impact the baby's heart development, such as diabetes or connective tissue disorder.
- You're taking certain medications, such as those used for depression or epilepsy, which can be associated with an increased risk of foetal heart abnormalities.
- You're pregnant with twins, triplets or multiple babies.
- Your pregnancy was conceived with IVF.
A foetal cardiac scan is very similar to a normal pregnancy ultrasound scan. Your consultant will talk you through what will happen during your scan and can answer questions you may have. You'll be asked to lie on your back as gel is applied to your tummy area. An ultrasound probe will be passed over your tummy to find the baby in your womb.
The ultrasound will capture images of your baby's heart to provide your specialist with detailed information about its function. Your scan will normally last between 20 and 30 minutes and is entirely harmless and painless for both you and your baby.
As soon as your ultrasound is complete, your specialist will talk you through the results. We know that this experience can be stressful, but in most cases, the results will show no abnormalities, and you'll be able to go home straight after your scan.
However, if your foetal cardiac ultrasound detects any anomalies with your baby's heart, your consultant obstetrician will take great care to discuss the results with you and talk you through the options available. This may include:
- Regular check-ups during pregnancy to monitor your baby's heart.
- Careful monitoring for other related conditions.
- If required, potential treatment options for your baby after they are born.
- Additional tests, such as amniocentesis, can be performed to get more information about the baby before delivery.
Our experienced team is here to provide you with the dedicated care and support you need.
Fast access to specialists
Appointments confirmed within 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours
Putting your child's needs first
Our complete breadth of expertise focused on your child
Our location
Where can I get a foetal cardiac scan?
You can book a private foetal cardiac scan at The Portland Hospital. Our experienced cardiac specialists guide you through every step and make sure you feel supported throughout your pregnancy. You can rest assured that you and your baby are in safe hands.
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Your private foetal cardiac scan with HCA UK
What to expect
At HCA UK, we understand the importance of clarity about your baby's development during your pregnancy. This is why your and your baby’s health is our number one priority. From the moment you have your initial consultation with us, we'll ensure you feel as supported, comforted and reassured as possible every step of the way.
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Initial consultation
After a referral from your GP or one of our private GPs, you'll attend a consultation in a private, comfortable setting at one of our facilities. Your paediatric cardiology specialist will discuss your pregnancy and explain the details of your foetal cardiac scan with you ahead of the test.
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How to prepare
Unlike other types of pregnancy ultrasound, which often require you to have a full bladder ahead of your scan, you don't need to do anything specific in preparation for your foetal cardiac scan. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions, and we'll ensure you feel at ease throughout the process.
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During your procedure
On the day of your scan, our friendly team will welcome you to The Portland Hospital. Your paediatric cardiology specialist will carry out your foetal cardiac scan. Your scan will usually take 20 to 30 minutes, and it’s completely safe and painless for you and your baby.
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Results and follow-up care
If no anomalies are detected, you'll be able to go home straight after your foetal cardiac scan. If your paediatric cardiology specialists have any concerns about the results, they'll explain the options available to you and discuss potential treatment, tests or further appointments.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Foetal cardiac scan FAQs
A foetal cardiac scan provides detailed images of your baby's heart during development and allows for early detection of potential conditions or abnormalities. These may include:
- Congenital heart defects: A scan can identify structural abnormalities in the baby's heart, such as problems with the heart chambers, abnormal blood vessels, and abnormalities in the position and size of the baby’s heart.
- Heart rate: Your scan can check for irregularities in the baby's heart rate and rhythm.
- Blood flow problems: Foetal cardiac ultrasounds can assess the blood flow through the heart and blood vessels, detecting issues that could indicate problems with circulation or oxygenation after birth.
Foetal heart scans are usually performed during the second trimester of a pregnancy, between 18 and 23 weeks. However, if there are concerns about the baby's heart development or if anomalies have been detected in earlier scans, foetal cardiac ultrasounds can be performed as early as 13 weeks.
Information from early scans is less reliable and often requires a later scan. If you have any questions before your appointment, our team is here to help.
Information from early scans is less reliable and often requires a later scan. If you have any questions before your appointment, our team is here to help.
As with other ultrasound scans during pregnancy, there are no risks associated with a foetal cardiac scan. The experience should be safe and painless for both mother and baby.
A foetal cardiac scan offers parents peace of mind during pregnancy. This type of specialist ultrasound allows early detection of structural abnormalities or heart function issues, enabling your paediatric cardiology specialist to tailor a personalised treatment plan for you and your baby.
If your foetal cardiac scan shows anything unusual, your paediatric cardiology specialist will talk you through the findings. They’ll explain the results to you and outline your options. This may include regular check-ups during your pregnancy, additional tests to gather more information or planning treatment for your baby once they’re born.
Yes, many mothers-to-be find it reassuring to have someone with them, so we welcome you to bring your partner, a friend or a family member to your scan. If there are any restrictions, your paediatric cardiology specialist will let you know before your appointment.
Make sure you wear comfortable clothing for your foetal cardiac scan. We’ll need to access your tummy for the scan, so clothing that can be easily lifted rather than taken off is recommended.
A foetal cardiac scan gives you one of the clearest and most accurate views of your baby’s heart during pregnancy. In some cases, your baby’s position or early gestation can make certain views harder to see. If this happens, your paediatric cardiology specialist may suggest repeating the scan at another time.
No. An anomaly scan checks your baby’s overall development. A foetal cardiac scan focuses only on your baby’s heart and blood flow, giving a much more detailed look at how the heart is structured and how it’s working.
In many cases, yes. Most major health insurers cover a foetal cardiac scan if it’s been recommended by a consultant or GP. You’ll usually need a referral and an authorisation code from your insurer before your appointment. If you’re unsure what your policy includes, your insurer or our team can talk you through the details and help you check your level of cover.
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