These changes are the heart's attempt to adapt to the insult, a process known as cardiac remodeling.įunctional echocardiography has been demonstrated to help in the selection of high‐risk populations and to be associated with outcome in several fetal conditions including intrauterine growth restriction, During this period of cardiac adaptation, changes in cardiac function, as well as in the heart's shape and size, can be determined. However, in the initial stages of an insult, the heart usually manages to adapt and there is a long subclinical period of cardiac dysfunction before end‐stage heart failure. Heart failure is defined as the inability of the heart to supply sufficient blood flow to meet the body's needsĪnd it is usually a late event that can be easily recognised by cardiomegaly, atrio‐ventricular insufficiency and fetal hydrops. Currently, the field of fetal cardiology is developing rapidly and fetal echocardiography is used not only for detection of structural anomaliesīut also to assess fetal cardiac function.Īlthough fetuses rarely go into cardiac failure, the implementation of new cardiac technologies allows identifying subtle changes in cardiac function in subclinical phase. Recent advances in ultrasound have enabled the detection and characterisation of the physiology and pathophysiology of fetal circulation. Thus, more research is warranted to further define specific protocols for each fetal condition that may affect cardiac function. Fetal cardiac function assessment is a promising tool that may soon be incorporated into clinical practice to diagnose, monitor or predict outcome in some fetal conditions. In addition, some cardiac parameters with high sensitivity such as MPI or annular peak velocities have shown promising results in monitoring and predicting outcome in intrauterine growth restriction or congenital diaphragmatic hernia.Ĭonclusion: Cardiac function can be adequately evaluated in most fetuses when appropriate expertise, equipment and time are available. Materials and Methods: Cardiac function assessment has proven utility in the differential diagnosis of cardiomyopathies or prediction of perinatal mortality in congenital heart disease. However, some cardiac parameters have already shown a strong correlation with outcomes and may soon be incorporated into clinical practice. You may choose to wipe it with 70% ethanol and then let it air dry or simply wipe it with a clean, dry cloth.ĭo not submerge the device in water (except waterproof models) or apply cleaning chemicals.Introduction: Fetal heart evaluation with US is feasible and reproducible, although challenging due to the smallness of the heart, the high heart rate and limited access to the fetus. You can also switch between the BPM reading mode to the curve chart mode.Īfter you've finished, clean off the probe to avoid any build-up. You can increase/ decrease the volume from the volume controller. You can read the heart rate at the display monitor with the heartbeat sound. You may need to wait for the baby to grow bigger or switch posi-tions. If after a few minutes you cannot find your baby, shut the device off and try another time. Slowly rock the probe, covering every part of your stomach so that you find the heartbeat. Starting from your pubic bone, gently glide the probe upwards towards your belly button. Since the gel will reduce static, use a generous amount. Use the doppler probe to move around your lower belly until you find a strong sound of your babyʼs heartbeat. Switch on the device from the power button Using the FetalPlus while you have a full bladder can make the heart-beat easier to hear. Lie down comfortably with your back down on a flat surface.Įxpose your abdomen like you would during a regular ultrasound. Place the 2 x AA Batteries inside FetalPlus at-home fetal doppler.Ĭonnect the doppler probe wire to the main device.
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