White Spot in the Baby’s Heart Become Harmful During Pregnancy? | Dr Humaira Siddiqui | Sanjivini Hospital

 During pregnancy, ultrasound plays a vital role in monitoring the baby’s growth and development. One finding that often worries parents is a white spot in the baby’s heart, medically known as Echogenic Intracardiac Focus (EIF). While most of the time this finding is harmless, many parents ask an important question: When can it be harmful, and what kind of problems can it cause?

According to Dr. Humaira Siddiqui, Best Gynecologist in Lucknow, at Sanjivini Super Speciality Hospital – Best Maternity Hospital, understanding the context of this finding is far more important than the finding itself. 

What Is a White Spot (EIF) in the Baby’s Heart?

A white spot or EIF is a small bright area seen in the baby’s heart during a second-trimester ultrasound. It usually represents a tiny calcium deposit in the heart muscle. Importantly, it is not a structural heart defect and does not affect how the heart works in most cases.

When Can a White Spot Be Harmful?

A white spot does not cause harm on its own, but its significance increases in certain situations. These are the conditions where doctors pay closer attention:

1. When the Mother’s Age Is Above 35 Years

Advanced maternal age slightly increases the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. If EIF is detected in such pregnancies, doctors may advise additional screening—not because EIF is dangerous, but because overall genetic risk is higher.

2. When Other Ultrasound Markers Are Present

EIF becomes more important if it appears along with other abnormal findings, such as:

• Increased thickness behind the baby’s neck

• Absent or short nasal bone

• Structural abnormalities in other organs

• Abnormal findings in the heart or kidneys

In such cases, EIF may act as a soft marker for genetic conditions.

3. When Blood Screening Tests Are Abnormal

If tests like:

• Double Marker Test

• Quadruple Marker Test

• NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing)

show a high-risk result, and EIF is also present, doctors may recommend further evaluation.

4. When There Is a Family History of Genetic Disorders

If previous pregnancies or family members had chromosomal conditions, EIF requires careful interpretation and expert counselling.

What Kind of Harm Can Occur?

1. Association With Chromosomal Abnormalities

In rare cases, EIF may be associated with:

• Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)

• Very rarely, Trisomy 18 or 13

It is important to understand that EIF does not cause these conditions—it may only be a minor indicator when combined with other risk factors.

2. Developmental Challenges (Only If a Genetic Condition Exists)

If EIF is linked to an underlying chromosomal abnormality, the baby may experience:

• Learning difficulties

• Delayed developmental milestones

• Need for special medical or educational support

These issues are due to the genetic condition, not because of the white spot itself.

3. Emotional Stress for Parents

The most common “harm” seen in EIF cases is parental anxiety. Misinterpretation of ultrasound findings or misinformation from the internet often leads to unnecessary fear.

This is why consultation with an experienced specialist like Dr. Humaira Siddiqui, Best Gynecologist in Lucknow, is crucial.

When Does a White Spot Cause No Harm at All?

In the majority of pregnancies, EIF is completely harmless when:

• It is the only finding

• All blood tests are normal

• Level-2 ultrasound shows no abnormalities

• Fetal heart structure and function are normal

In such cases, the baby is born healthy and does not require any treatment or special care after birth.

Is Any Treatment Required?

No treatment is required for an isolated EIF. Doctors usually recommend:

• Routine follow-up ultrasounds

• Reassurance and counseling

• Additional tests only if clinically indicated

At Sanjivini Super Speciality Hospital – Best Maternity Hospital, every pregnancy is evaluated individually, ensuring safe and evidence-based care.

Expert Care at Sanjivini Super Speciality Hospital

Under the guidance of Dr. Humaira Siddiqui, Best Gynecologist in Lucknow, Sanjivini Super Speciality Hospital offers:

• Advanced prenatal screening

• Level-2 and fetal echocardiography

• Genetic counselling when required

• Personalised maternity care

This holistic approach makes it one of the best maternity hospital for safe and confident pregnancies.

Conclusion

A white spot in the baby’s heart during pregnancy is usually harmless and temporary. It becomes significant only in the presence of additional risk factors. With proper evaluation, expert guidance, and timely screening, parents can be reassured and supported throughout pregnancy.

Consulting an experienced specialist like Dr Humaira Siddiqui at Sanjivini Super Speciality Hospital—Best Maternity Hospital ensures clarity, confidence, and the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby

 Website - https://sanjivinihospitals.com/

 Contact No - 073075 07050

  Location  -  CP23 Viraj Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, near, 

                    Hahnemann Rd, Chauraha, Uttar Pradesh 226010

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