When can the examination be carried out?

Indications of heart disease can already be seen in early pregnancy (around the 12th week of pregnancy). Even from the 16th – 17th week of pregnancy, diagnoses of congenital heart defects and cardiac arrhythmias can be made or ruled out with a high degree of certainty.

In the Department of Congenital Heart Defects and Paediatric Cardiology, this “foetal echocardiography” is offered in a separate consultation with the outpatient follow-up examination of the child from a single source.

It is carried out by Prof. Renate Oberhoffer, who has specialised in these examinations as a paediatric cardiologist for more than 30 years.  The careful examination of the foetal heart is accompanied by detailed advice on how to proceed:

• Course of the disease, treatment options
• Birth planning (type of delivery, maternity hospital).

On request, our contact team can organise a tour of the children’s ward, arrange accommodation at Ronald McDonald House (for parents from far outside Munich) or establish contact with existing parents’ groups.

In addition to this consultation, foetal heart examinations also take place as part of the “major malformation screening” at the Mother-Child Centre at Klinikum rechts der Isar. There, both paediatric cardiology and gynaecology consultations are offered in a special clinic staffed by teams from paediatric cardiology, obstetrics and neonatology.

Appointments at the German Heart Centre Munich can be arranged by calling: +49 (0) 89 1218-3005 (Outpatient Clinic for Congenital Heart Defects and Paediatric Cardiology)

Where is the examination carried out?

Ultrasound examination of the unborn child’s heart (foetal echocardiography) is offered in a special consultation in the Department of Paediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Defects at the German Heart Centre Munich. This examination is accompanied by a detailed explanation based on the latest scientific findings: on the type of heart defect or arrhythmia diagnosed, its natural course, as well as the pre- and postnatal diagnostic and treatment options (drug-based, interventional, surgical). Human genetic counselling is available from suitable specialists. The contact nurses and psychologist in the department also answer psychosocial questions and, if desired, establish contact with similarly affected families. There is also the opportunity to participate in various scientific studies if you wish.

Contact and consultations

Consultations are on Thursdays from 9:00 to 16:00.
Phone: +49 (0)89-1218 3005
E-mail: fetalekardiologie@tum.de