We have a family history of heart conditions, and I'm worried about my baby. Can Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) or similar heart conditions be detected during pregnancy through scans or tests?
If you mean the heart defect (Atrial Septal Defect), it can definitely be spotted in a detailed Level 2 anomaly scan or a fetal echo if the doctor suspects something. But if you mean autism, there's no diagnostic test for that in the womb yet, so don't get stressed about it.
Just like I had to be super careful with my diet and glucose monitoring during my pregnancy to keep baby safe, keeping up with all the scheduled scans is very important. A detailed anomaly scan in the fifth month is when doctors check all the organs, including the heart, to detect any issues.
Yes, if you mean Atrial Septal Defect (the heart condition), a Level-2 anomaly scan or a fetal echocardiogram can detect it quite accurately during the second trimester. My doctor told me that for autism (which is also called ASD), there is no definitive prenatal test yet, though researchers are studying ultrasound markers.
I am still learning about all these tests as we are trying to conceive, and it is a bit overwhelming. From what I've read, detailed ultrasound scans during the second trimester can check the baby's heart very closely, so do discuss it with your gynac.
I know how much we worry about our baby's health when they are still inside us. Whether it is a heart issue or any developmental thing, please stay positive and discuss your anomaly scan reports with your doctor, they will guide you with so much care.
