You asked

During my scan, the doctor noted a bright spot on my baby's heart. What is this, and should I worry?

A bright spot on your baby’s heart, visible during an ultrasound scan, is usually not a murmur or defect as such. It can be perfectly normal, or it can be what’s known as an echogenic cardiac focus.

This is related to your baby’s chromosomes, and while it could be nothing, it can indicate that your baby is at higher risk of being born with Down’s Syndrome. Generally, your doctor will refer you to a specialist, or will perform further testing for other markers of Down’s Syndrome. They will also review your test result for Down’s Syndrome, and your previous ultrasound results.

Generally speaking, if all your tests are normal, and you’re under 35 years old, you shouldn’t have too much to worry about. Likewise if you’ve had an amniocentesis and that returned a normal result. If you are concerned, or you fall into a high risk category for Down’s Syndrome, then it’s best to speak to your doctor for clarification.
Don't forget to look for baby names... Search now

More questions

Polyhydramnios is excessive amniotic fluid
 
Amniocentesis is a test which you can have between weeks 15 and 18 of your pregnancy. Amniotic fluid is extracted from your uterus and this fluid is tested for chromosomal abnormalities. Such tests will show...
 Ultrasounds have become the norm for all pregnant women but what exactly goes on?
A spot on your baby’s heart is an abnormal variant. Variants are simply variations in how a baby develops. Normal variants are very common and nothing to worry. Abnormal variants may not mean anything but...
You have several options when it comes to the type of care you would like to avail of for your pregnancy and the birth of your baby. Your choice will depend on your financial situation, your health insurance...
Although diagnostic testing can (very slightly) increase the risk of miscarriage, some parents decide to take the test for several reasons. There may be a specific reason why your baby could be at risk of being...
Blood tests are part of the norm when it comes to being pregnant with your first tests coinciding with your first doctors appointment around week 12. You will be asked to give blood to check: What your blood...
 Understanding the difference in scan types will help you understand if you want to book (and generally pay for) the 3D option. 
Radiation is potentially harmful to unborn babies, but the amount of radiation in one scan is usually not enough to do serious damage.
Your first OB visit is an exciting one, and also the one where your doctor first determines what risk factors, if any, are present in your pregnancy.

Latest

Trending