Fetal Cardiology

Our fetal cardiology specialists provide early diagnosis, comprehensive evaluation, and coordinated care planning for babies with heart conditions before birth.

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1-888-573-5437

Learning that your baby may have a heart condition before birth can feel overwhelming. Fetal cardiology care focuses on evaluating your baby’s heart during pregnancy, helping you understand what’s happening and plan for the best possible care before, during, and after delivery.

At University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, our team partners with you early to provide clear information, answer questions, and support informed decision making.

Using advanced ultrasound imaging called a fetal echocardiogram, our fetal cardiologists create detailed, real-time images of your baby’s heart, typically between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. This safe, noninvasive test allows us to identify structural heart defects, rhythm concerns, or other conditions that may affect care after birth. Early diagnosis helps families and care teams prepare for delivery and immediate newborn care, so that your baby receives the right support from the very start.

Coordinated care for you and your baby

When a heart condition is detected, you’ll meet with our dedicated fetal cardiology team, which includes pediatric cardiologists, a fetal nurse coordinator, and maternal‑fetal medicine specialists. Together, this team explains your baby’s diagnosis, answers your questions, and helps you plan for delivery and care after birth.

As part of your care, you’ll also have access to a broader multispecialty team, which may include neonatologists in the NICU, pediatric critical care specialists, palliative care providers, genetic counselors, and maternal mental health professionals. These experts work together to develop a comprehensive plan that supports you throughout pregnancy, prepares for a safe delivery, and coordinates the care your baby will need after birth.

Our team works closely with maternal‑fetal medicine and obstetrics partners, meeting regularly to review imaging, coordinate follow‑up visits, and monitor your baby’s development. This close collaboration supports seamless care and helps you feel informed, supported, and confident throughout your pregnancy.

Compassionate counseling and family support

After a prenatal heart diagnosis, our team takes time to answer your questions and help you understand what to expect before and after your baby’s birth. We walk through treatment options, possible outcomes, and what care may look like in the first hours and days of life, including whether your baby may need care in the neonatal intensive care unit or surgery. We also talk about how your child’s condition may change over time, so you feel prepared for what lies ahead.

Support goes beyond medical planning. Families have access to maternal mental health services, genetic counseling, and parent support groups, offering both emotional support and practical resources. Every family’s experience is unique, and we’re here to guide you with clear information, compassionate care, and steady support throughout your journey.