If an ultrasound has revealed a source of concern about your baby’s heart, you’ll likely be referred to fetal cardiology specialists, who will evaluate your baby’s condition. They’ll work closely with the Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine team, which specializes in caring for complex pregnancies.

The fetal cardiology team uses a fetal echocardiogram to get a better understanding of how the baby’s heart is developing during pregnancy.

The fetal cardiology team at Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, routinely coordinates delivery of babies with congenital heart disease so they can start receiving care immediately after birth.

We also provide second opinions that can reassure you about the care you are receiving elsewhere. We can offer insight about other treatment options available at Norton Children’s Heart Institute. Call (502) 629-2929 to schedule a second opinion visit— no referral is necessary.

Complex Heart Condition Found in Second Trimester

Colton Goff’s family met the Norton Children’s Heart Institute team to better understand his condition and outline a course of care. This “meet the team” process, available for all prospective patients, helps families get to know their providers and have a greater understanding of the type of care they can expect, including any procedures, surgeries and recovery time.

Read Colton's Story

What to Expect from the Norton Children’s Heart Institute Fetal Cardiology Program

• Urgent referral appointments are available.
• Book a second opinion directly — no referral needed.
• You may be able to deliver your baby with your preferred obstetrician.
• Fetal echocardiograms are performed across Kentucky and evaluated by specialists at Norton Children’s Heart Institute in Louisville.
• Meet all the specialists who will care for your baby’s heart condition in a comfortable setting where your questions will be answered so you know what to expect.
• A patient navigator is available to help guide you through the care process, make appointments, set up time with specialists before birth and schedule a tour of the cardiac and neonatal intensive care units.
• The patient navigator will help transition your baby’s care from the fetal cardiology team to pediatric cardiologists and help your family prepare to care for your baby at home.
• The Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at Norton Children’s Hospital is the largest dedicated CICU in Kentucky, equipped with 17 private rooms and the newest technology available for heart care.
• Medicaid, Medicare and other major commercial insurance plans are accepted.
• Communicate with your medical provider, get alerted to earlier appointments, refill prescriptions and more with a free Norton MyChart account.