Ultrasound of Newborn's Heart at Labor Onset Enhances Birth Safety, New Study Finds

Recent research highlights the importance of performing an ultrasound scan of a baby's heart at the very start of labor to improve childbirth safety. The study, published in the esteemed BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, emphasizes that evaluating fetal cardiac morphology early during labor can help predict whether the baby is likely to tolerate contractions adequately or be at risk of distress. This assessment aids in determining the need for potential interventions such as cesarean sections or operative deliveries,
which are crucial for preventing hypoxic injuries that could affect the child's future health.

Led by Professor Tullio Ghi of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome, the study involved 208 pregnant women in labor. It found that certain parameters of fetal heart structure, assessed through ultrasound, differed significantly between infants who experienced uncomplicated vaginal deliveries and those requiring operative interventions due to fetal distress. These findings suggest that early detection of fetal cardiac abnormalities can influence clinical management, allowing healthcare providers to expedite delivery when necessary to avoid complications.

The process of analyzing fetal heart morphology acts as a crucial triage tool during labor, helping identify infants at higher risk of hypoxia, thereby facilitating timely decision-making to improve neonatal outcomes. This innovative approach underscores the potential for ultrasound technology to enhance perinatal care and reduce adverse birth-related events.

The study's significance lies in its pioneering identification of fetal cardiac function markers that can predict labor outcomes, enabling personalized and strategic obstetric care. As research progresses, such ultrasound assessments could become standard practice, ultimately improving the safety and health of both mothers and babies during childbirth.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-ultrasound-scan-baby-heart-onset.html