How early can they catch heart defects?

Question

I was born with a hole in my heart and my sister had a heart defect that caused her to actually need surgery as a baby. Can they see this early in pregnancy?

Answer

My doctor wanted anatomy scan done 22 weeks or after, because that’s when the baby’s heart is fully developed. He said it’s the best time to detect if there’s any abnormality with the heart.

Answer

They found my sons heart condition at 18.5/19 weeks 💗

Answer

Sonographer here. An anatomical scan is usually done between 18 and 20 weeks where we can detect any major heart defects. Sometimes a tiny hole isn’t visible until later or sometimes not at all. If you were born with a congenital heart defect though you should ask your doctor about the possibility of a fetal echocardiogram or seeing a specialist. I don’t know what it’s like in other countries but here in Canada you would have your routine scans as well as an extra one were they do even more in depth images of the heart.

Answer

I had a fetal echo at 12 weeks due to past complications and they were able to tell there were no major heart defects. Some minor defects won’t be detected until birth but it wouldn’t be anything life threatening most likely.

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The anatomy scan when you’re around 20 weeks pregnant can detect heart defects. That’s how we found my daughters. Most of it they grow out of within their first year of life

Answer

@marvic4

Answer

Your anatomy scan can detect any heart issues. x

How early can they catch heart defects?

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