Fetal Echocardiography · New Delhi
Being referred for a fetal echo is a step many families take during pregnancy. It does not mean something is wrong. It means your care team wants a clearer picture, so that you and your baby receive the right support from the start.
A painless scan, similar to a routine pregnancy ultrasound
Most referrals are precautionary and routine
Usually takes 45 to 60 minutes from arrival to leaving
This practice is dedicated entirely to fetal echocardiography - the detailed ultrasound of a baby's heart done during pregnancy. We do only this, which means every scan, every conversation, and every result is handled with care and experience specific to this one area.
Our aim is to make your visit as calm and clear as possible. You will not be rushed. You will have time to ask questions. And before you leave, you will understand what was seen and what, if anything, comes next.
A note for families who are anxious: It is completely natural to feel worried after a referral. Most families who come here leave with good news and a straightforward next step. For the smaller number of cases where something is found, early knowledge is what makes a difference - and we are here to walk through that with you.
Obstetricians recommend fetal echocardiography for a range of reasons - most of them standard and precautionary. A referral simply means your doctor wants a more detailed look at the heart than a routine pregnancy scan provides. It does not tell you anything is wrong.
The heart is the most carefully checked organ in fetal medicine. Detailed scans of it are ordered often, and the majority of those scans return entirely normal results.
If your reason for referral is not listed here, that does not mean there is cause for concern. Please feel free to ask at the time of your appointment - there is no question too small.
A fetal echocardiogram is a detailed ultrasound of your baby's heart. It uses the same kind of sound waves as a regular pregnancy scan - there is no radiation, no needles, and nothing that causes discomfort. Most families find it straightforward and manageable, even when they arrive feeling anxious.
You arrive at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and make your way to the clinic. Please bring your referral letter, any previous scan reports, and your pregnancy records.
Dr. Agarwal or a member of the team will speak with you briefly before beginning - to understand the reason for your referral and to answer any questions you have before the scan starts.
You will lie comfortably on a couch. A small amount of gel is applied to your abdomen and a handheld probe is gently moved across the skin - exactly as in a routine pregnancy ultrasound. The screen shows real-time images of your baby's heart. You can see the heart beating throughout.
The scan itself usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes. Sometimes it takes a little longer if the baby is in an awkward position, or a little less if everything is straightforward. Please allow around an hour for your visit in total.
In most cases, you will receive a clear explanation of the findings before you leave. Dr. Agarwal will walk through what was seen in plain language and explain what happens next - whether that means no further steps, a follow-up scan, or a referral to another specialist.
When is a fetal echo usually done? - Most fetal echocardiograms are performed between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, when the heart is large enough to be seen clearly and the images are most detailed. In some situations, your doctor may recommend a scan a little earlier or later.
Every fetal echocardiogram ends with a conversation. Before you leave, you will be told what was seen during the scan, in plain language, and what that means for your pregnancy and your baby's care.
The majority of families who have a fetal echo receive a normal result. A normal scan means the heart appears structurally sound and no further cardiac follow-up is needed during pregnancy.
The heart looks as expected. No further cardiac monitoring is planned. You will receive a written report to take back to your obstetrician.
Sometimes a small finding - such as a minor variation in a valve or a soft marker - is seen that does not require treatment but is worth reviewing again before birth or shortly after. A repeat scan or follow-up appointment will be arranged.
In a smaller number of cases, a structural difference is found that will need attention. Early knowledge of this is genuinely helpful - it means the right team can plan your baby's care before birth, ensuring everything is in place from the very first day.
After the scan you will receive a written report to share with your referring obstetrician or midwife. This report explains the findings and any recommendations in a clear, structured way. You are encouraged to take it to your next antenatal appointment and ask any further questions there.
A follow-up recommendation is not unusual and does not necessarily mean that something serious was found. It may simply mean the team wants to take another look at a specific part of the heart as your pregnancy progresses, or that a borderline finding needs to be assessed again at a later stage.
If further specialist involvement is needed - whether with a neonatologist, a cardiac surgeon, or another specialist team - we will guide you through that process and ensure your obstetrician is fully informed.
You are never expected to make sense of results alone. Questions after your appointment are always welcome - please call or use the contact form and we will do our best to help.
Senior Consultant
Dr. Mridul Agarwal
Pediatric and Fetal Cardiology
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
Dr. Agarwal is a Senior Consultant in Pediatric and Fetal Cardiology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, one of India's established tertiary care centres. His clinical work has a particular focus on fetal echocardiography - the detailed assessment of the developing heart during pregnancy.
Fetal echocardiography sits at the intersection of obstetric care and cardiac medicine. It requires a specific kind of training - in reading the heart before birth, in recognising the wide range of what falls within normal, and in communicating findings clearly to families who are often anxious and unfamiliar with medical terminology.
Dr. Agarwal's focus on this area means that families referred for a fetal echo are seen by someone whose daily clinical work is centred on exactly this kind of scan. The scans are performed and interpreted personally, and results are discussed directly with the family on the day of the appointment.
A note on this practice: This clinic is dedicated entirely to fetal echocardiography. General pediatric cardiology appointments and post-natal cardiac consultations are managed separately through the main cardiology department at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital is a well-established multi-specialty hospital located in New Delhi. The cardiology department manages a wide range of cardiac conditions across all ages, and has dedicated facilities for fetal and pediatric cardiac care.
To request an appointment, you can use the form below or call the hospital directly. We aim to respond to all enquiries within one working day.
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
Rajinder Nagar
New Delhi – 110 060
+91 11 4225 1000
Main hospital number · ask for Pediatric & Fetal Cardiology
Monday – Saturday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Appointments recommended; walk-ins subject to availability
If you are feeling anxious about your appointment and have a question before you come in, please do not hesitate to call. We are happy to speak with you.