Fetal ECHO Test in Kathmandu

About this test

Fetal echocardiography is a detailed, painless ultrasound that looks specifically at the unborn baby's heart while it is still developing in the womb. Unlike a routine anomaly scan, which surveys the whole baby, this examination concentrates on the four chambers, the heart valves, the great vessels leaving the heart, the rhythm, and the direction of blood flow, using two-dimensional imaging together with colour and pulsed Doppler. It is performed by passing a probe gently over the mother's abdomen, so there is no needle, no radiation, and no harm to mother or baby. A foetal cardiologist or trained sonologist usually recommends it when something needs a closer look: a suspected heart abnormality or irregular heartbeat seen on the routine scan, a raised nuchal translucency in the first trimester, a mother with diabetes, lupus, or rubella, certain medicines taken in early pregnancy, a family history of congenital heart disease, or a baby conceived through assisted reproduction or found to have another structural problem. The aim is to detect congenital heart defects early, so that delivery can be planned at a centre equipped for newborn cardiac care and the family can be counselled and prepared in advance rather than caught by surprise after birth. In Nepal, where paediatric cardiac surgery is available only at a few referral centres in the Kathmandu valley, an early diagnosis is especially valuable for arranging timely referral and transport. Findings are interpreted alongside the anomaly scan, maternal history, and, where indicated, genetic testing, and a normal study is reassuring for the rest of the pregnancy.

Sample type

No sample required (ultrasound imaging of the baby's heart)

Preparation

No fasting and no special preparation are needed. You may eat and drink normally. Please come with a comfortable, loose top and bring any earlier obstetric scan reports. The scan is most informative between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, so try to book within that window when possible.

Turnaround time

Reports for Fetal ECHO are typically ready within: Same Day. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.

Also known as

Other imaging tests we run

These are routinely ordered alongside Fetal ECHO or as part of the same diagnostic workup.

How to book

WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.