Maternal cardiac assessment • Pregnancy-safe diagnostics
Heart Health Checkup in Pregnancy
A focused private assessment of the mother’s heart during pregnancy, combining ECG and echocardiography to review heart rhythm, structure and function without ionising radiation.
- Maternal ECG
- Maternal echocardiogram
- No GP referral normally required
Direct answer
What is a heart health check in pregnancy?
A heart health check in pregnancy is a maternal cardiovascular assessment designed for expectant mothers who need reassurance or investigation of cardiac symptoms or risk factors. The PrivateSono service combines an electrocardiogram (ECG) with an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound).
The ECG records the mother’s heart rhythm and electrical activity. The echocardiogram assesses the mother’s heart chambers, valves, wall thickness, pumping function and blood-flow patterns. These tests answer different questions and are interpreted together.
- Current price£499
- Core testsECG + echocardiogram
- RadiationNone
- PatientMother / expectant mother
What is assessed
Two complementary maternal heart tests
The examination is focused on the mother’s cardiovascular system. It is not a fetal heart scan.
Heart rhythm
A resting ECG records the heart’s electrical activity and may show rhythm or conduction abnormalities.
Heart chambers
Echocardiography evaluates chamber size and visible structural features of the maternal heart.
Pumping function
The echocardiogram assesses ventricular contraction and overall systolic function, including ejection fraction where appropriate.
Heart valves
Valve appearance, motion and Doppler blood-flow patterns are assessed for significant stenosis or regurgitation.
Wall thickness
Heart-muscle thickness and other visible changes can be assessed in the context of blood pressure and pregnancy.
Pericardial region
The scan can assess for visible fluid around the heart and other selected structural findings.
heart
When it may help
Common reasons to book
- Palpitations or awareness of an irregular heartbeat
- Breathlessness that needs planned cardiovascular assessment
- Chest discomfort where a clinician has advised non-emergency cardiac review
- Dizziness or recurrent light-headedness
- Known heart-valve disease, cardiomyopathy or congenital heart condition
- Raised blood pressure or previous pregnancy-related cardiovascular concerns
- Family history of significant cardiac disease
- Need for a maternal cardiac baseline during pregnancy
Do not wait for a routine private appointment if you have severe or persistent chest pain, sudden severe breathlessness, collapse, coughing blood, new severe headache with visual disturbance, significant neurological symptoms, or feel acutely unwell. Seek urgent medical assessment.
Before you arrive
How to prepare
No fasting required
ECG and transthoracic echocardiography normally require no fasting. Follow any specific instructions in your booking confirmation.
Wear comfortable clothing
You will need access to the chest for electrode placement and echocardiography, with privacy maintained throughout.
Bring pregnancy notes
Bring your maternity notes and any relevant blood-pressure records, ECGs, echocardiograms or cardiology letters.
Bring medication details
Bring an up-to-date list of prescribed medication, supplements and any recent changes made during pregnancy.
Your appointment
What happens during the assessment?
- 1
Clinical history
Your pregnancy stage, symptoms, medical history, medications and any previous heart or pregnancy-related cardiovascular concerns are reviewed.
- 2
12-lead ECG
Small electrodes are placed on the skin to record the heart’s electrical activity while you rest.
- 3
Maternal echocardiogram
Ultrasound gel and a probe are used on the chest to obtain moving images of the heart and Doppler measurements of blood flow.
- 4
Results and next steps
Findings are explained within the scope of the service. Further cardiology, maternity, GP or hospital assessment may be recommended if clinically indicated.
Important distinction
Maternal heart check vs fetal heart assessment
These are different examinations for different patients.
This service: mother’s heart
ECG and echocardiography assess the pregnant woman’s own heart rhythm, chambers, valves and pumping function.
Fetal cardiac assessment: baby’s heart
A fetal heart assessment is an obstetric/fetal-medicine examination focused on the baby’s cardiac anatomy and rhythm and is not included in this maternal heart package.
Blood pressure & pre-eclampsia
Cardiac tests can contribute to the overall picture but do not replace routine antenatal blood-pressure, urine and obstetric assessment for pre-eclampsia.
Book online
Heart Health Checkup in Pregnancy
Use the dedicated PrivateSono booking page to select your clinic, date and appointment time.
- Maternal ECG
- Maternal echocardiogram
- Pregnancy-focused cardiac assessment
- Private appointment
Book your pregnancy heart assessment
Your booking will open on the dedicated PrivateSono service calendar.
Open booking calendar Call the clinicPrivateSono
Maternal cardiac assessment during pregnancy
A focused, non-invasive pathway combining the electrical information from an ECG with structural and functional information from echocardiography.
Book pregnancy heart check →Pregnancy-focused
Clinical context tailored to maternal cardiovascular assessment during pregnancy.
No ionising radiation
ECG and transthoracic echocardiography do not use X-rays.
Complementary tests
Rhythm assessment and heart imaging answer different clinical questions.
Clear next steps
Further cardiology or maternity review can be recommended when findings or symptoms require it.
Clinic locations
Private pregnancy heart assessment near you
Questions answered
Heart health in pregnancy FAQs
Clear answers about ECG, echocardiography, pregnancy and the limits of this service.
Still unsure? Call 020 7101 3377What is included in the Heart Health Checkup in Pregnancy?
The PrivateSono service is centred on maternal ECG and echocardiography. The assessment reviews heart rhythm, heart structure and function, with the findings interpreted in the context of pregnancy. The exact appointment format and any additional clinical review should be confirmed when booking.
How much is the Heart Health Checkup in Pregnancy?
The current PrivateSono service page lists the pregnancy heart health check at £499. Check the booking page for the latest price before confirming.
Is an ECG safe during pregnancy?
Yes. A standard ECG records the heart’s electrical activity through electrodes placed on the skin and does not use ionising radiation.
Is an echocardiogram safe during pregnancy?
A transthoracic echocardiogram uses diagnostic ultrasound to assess the mother’s heart and does not use ionising radiation. It is a non-invasive cardiac test commonly used when clinically indicated in pregnancy.
Why might I need a heart assessment during pregnancy?
A planned cardiac assessment may be helpful for symptoms such as palpitations, breathlessness, chest discomfort, dizziness, a known heart condition, raised blood pressure, or a previous pregnancy complicated by cardiovascular concerns.
Can this check diagnose pre-eclampsia?
No. ECG and echocardiography do not diagnose pre-eclampsia on their own. Pre-eclampsia assessment depends on blood pressure, urine protein, symptoms and, when indicated, blood tests and obstetric review.
Can an echocardiogram rule out a blood clot in the lungs?
No. A routine echocardiogram cannot rule out pulmonary embolism. New severe breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, collapse or other acute symptoms require urgent medical assessment.
Do I need a GP referral?
PrivateSono generally allows direct private booking. Bring your pregnancy notes, medication list and any previous ECG, echocardiogram, cardiology or maternity reports if available.
How should I prepare for the appointment?
No special preparation is usually required for ECG or transthoracic echocardiography. Wear comfortable clothing and bring your pregnancy notes and medication list. Follow any specific instructions in your booking confirmation.
Will the scan assess my baby’s heart?
No. This service assesses the mother’s heart. Fetal cardiac assessment is a separate obstetric or fetal-medicine examination and should be arranged through the appropriate pregnancy pathway when indicated.
Maternal heart assessment
Book your Heart Health Checkup in Pregnancy
ECG and echocardiography focused on the mother’s cardiovascular health during pregnancy.