How Early Can Congenital Heart Disease Be Detected During Pregnancy?
Congenital heart disease can now be detected earlier in pregnancy due to advances in ultrasound technology.
In specialised settings, major heart defects may be identified between 11 and 14 weeks using fetal echocardiography. This allows clinicians to assess early heart structure and function during the first trimester.
Early detection is particularly useful in higher-risk pregnancies. Factors such as increased nuchal translucency, maternal diabetes, and family history often prompt earlier screening.
Despite these advances, the 20-week anomaly scan remains the most reliable and comprehensive method of detection.
Some heart defects develop over time or are too small to detect in early pregnancy. This is why multiple stages of screening are important.
Early diagnosis provides an opportunity for planning and specialist care. It allows families and healthcare providers to prepare for delivery and any treatment required after birth.
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