Fetal echocardiography as a screening tool as well as a diagnostic modality has been proven to be safe and accurate for the diagnosis of fetal heart disease. The structure and function of the heart can be assessed by echocardiography. Prenatal echocardiography has the potential for improving postnatal survival in infants with congenital heart defects. However, it remains unclear whether it also improves postoperative outcomes. Prenatal diagnosis possibly identifies patients with more severe phenotypes, resulting in a poor prognosis in this group. Fetal therapy, the treatment of the fetus, is now practical. The current fetal therapeutic strategies range from maternal transplacental medication to the fetus to invasive open-uterine fetal surgery. In fetal therapy, fetal critical disorders must be weighed against the risks to the mother and potential for a successful treatment after birth.

Fetal echocardiography as a screening tool as well as a diagnostic modality has been proven to be safe and accurate for the diagnosis of fetal heart disease. The structure and function of the heart can be assessed by echocardiography. Prenatal echocardiography has the potential for improving postnatal survival in infants with congenital heart defects. However, it remains unclear whether it also improves postoperative outcomes. Prenatal diagnosis possibly identifies patients with more severe phenotypes, resulting in a poor prognosis in this group. Fetal therapy, the treatment of the fetus, is now practical. The current fetal therapeutic strategies range from maternal transplacental medication to the fetus to invasive open-uterine fetal surgery. In fetal therapy, fetal critical disorders must be weighed against the risks to the mother and potential for a successful treatment after birth.