At what gestational age is fetal echocardiography typically performed for high-risk pregnancies?

Fetal echocardiography is usually performed during the 18-20 week gestational period for high-risk pregnancies. This timing aligns with the optimal window when the fetal heart and other structures are sufficiently developed, allowing for accurate assessment and evaluation of potential congenital heart defects or other abnormalities.

At this stage, clinicians can obtain clear images and detailed anatomical information. Performing the echocardiogram at this period increases the likelihood of identifying issues early enough to plan for subsequent management, delivery, and care after birth. High-risk factors such as maternal diabetes, previous children with heart defects, or specific genetic conditions further reinforce the need for timely imaging during this gestational window.

Choosing a different gestational age could result in less accurate assessments due to either the earlier stages not providing enough clear visualization or, conversely, waiting until later when certain conditions might have progressed or become more difficult to assess.