Assessment of Fetal Cardiac Function

Abstract

Fetal cardiac function is assessed using ultrasonography with both fetal-specific and pediatric/adult echocardiographic parameters. Recently, the cardiovascular profile score, a composite index of these parameters, has been introduced for comprehensive assessment. Recent evidence also indicates that various conditions, including fetal growth restriction and gestational diabetes, influence fetal cardiac function. Alterations in fetal cardiac function are linked to the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis.