Applicability of Standardized Early Fetal Heart Examination in the Obese Population

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of obesity on early evaluation of fetal cardiac landmarks using a standardized examination method at the time of nuchal translucency scan. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of an ongoing prospective cohort at high risk for congenital heart defects. We used a standardized examination protocol using 2-dimensional sonography with power Doppler in the evaluation of fetal cardiac landmarks consisting of 4-chamber view, outflow tract relationship, and transverse arches view. The study population was stratified based on maternal body mass index into nonobese (  .05). The scan time was about 5 minutes longer in the obese group compared with nonobese group (P = .020). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity does not hamper early evaluation of fetal cardiac landmarks around the time of nuchal translucency scan. However, obese patients are more likely to require transvaginal examinations.