Practical Guide to Fetal Functional Cardiac Assessment

Background: Recent evidence suggests the potential role of fetal cardiac function parameters in the assessment of different obstetrical conditions. Despite this evidence, the application of cardiac function parameters to routine fetal cardiac evaluation is limited. Among other reasons, the lack of accessibility to a simple, practical instrument offering tips on how to carry out a fetal cardiac functional assessment could explain this restricted application. Methods: A narrative review of the available literature on how to practically carry out a fetal cardiac function assessment was reviewed and summarized to offer an instrument to assess fetal cardiac function alongside the classical morphological evaluation. Results: The contents of this guide are focused exclusively on the practical details to carry out a fetal cardiac function assessment and voluntarily exclude the definition of and indications for the parameters assessed. The guide includes the assessment of fetal cardiac morphometry, valvular evaluation and cardiac contractility. Conclusions: The aim of this guide is to make fetal cardiac functional parameters more accessible to maternal and fetal medicine health professionals with a good background knowledge of fetal cardiology.