Fetal Cardiology

Caring for babies with congenital and/or functional heart problems requires a diverse team of experienced specialists to work together. At Duke, our fetal cardiologists -- pediatric cardiologists who specialize in fetal cardiology -- lead your baby’s care team and collaborate with a range of other specialists to ensure both mother and baby receive exceptional, comprehensive care before birth, after delivery, and beyond. Your care team may include:
 

• Maternal-fetal medicine specialists
• Pediatric radiologists
• Nurse navigators
• Social workers
• Pediatric heart surgeons
• Pediatric cardiac interventionalists
• Pediatric cardiac imaging specialists
• Pediatric cardiac arrhythmia specialists
• Pediatric cardiac anesthesiologists
• Pediatric cardiac intensive care unit doctors
• Respiratory therapists
• Pharmacists

If an obstetrical ultrasound scan identifies a potential problem with your baby’s heart or if your baby has risk factors for heart disease, Duke’s fetal cardiology specialists use advanced technology and training to take detailed images of your baby’s heart as early as about 12 weeks’ gestation. We use noninvasive tests that require no radiation or contrast-dye injections and pose no health risks to the mother or baby.

• Fetal echocardiogram: This is a more sophisticated version of the ultrasound imaging you normally get during pregnancy. It is performed and reviewed by experts specifically trained to evaluate the structure and function of a fetal heart.
   
• Fetal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A fetal cardiac MRI uses radio waves and a computer to create images of your baby’s heart structures without the need for X-rays.
   
• Genetic testing: We may advise you to undergo genetic testing if you have a family history of congenital heart disease, or if your baby may have a genetic or chromosomal abnormality, including heart disease that is commonly associated with a genetic condition. Our genetic counselors walk you through your baby’s risk factors and screening options and help you decide whether to undergo one of our advanced screenings. If you discover that you have genetic heart disease, we connect you with the right doctors, support programs, and community resources.

Personalized Tours
Knowing what to expect during and after delivery can make the process feel less scary. We offer virtual tours of the facilities you’re most likely to encounter so you can feel prepared.

Complex Care Facilities
Your baby will most likely be delivered at Duke Birthing Center, which is located in Duke University Hospital.

Our nearby Level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is equipped to care for babies with heart issues as well as those born prematurely. The Level IV designation indicates we provide the highest level of care for critically ill infants.

Our Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center houses a state-of-the-art pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU) and a step-down pediatric complex cardiac care unit. Both units are staffed by providers with specific training to provide the highest level of pediatric heart care.