Families Choose Fetal Cardiology Program for Coordinated Care Before Birth

Fetal Echocardiogram being performed by Dr. Sanghee Ro

A doctor uses a probe to do a fetal scan on a expecting mom.

Our team of Fetal Cardiology specialists at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Heart Center and Cardiology are skilled in caring for the tiniest hearts before and after children are born.

When a fetus is diagnosed with a structural or functional heart condition, coordinated care before birth can greatly impact outcomes. Led by Sanghee S. Ro, MD, Director, Fetal Cardiology, the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Fetal Cardiology Program delivers expert, interdisciplinary care while compassionately supporting and educating expectant families.

An Interdisciplinary, Family‑Centered Approach

The Fetal Cardiology Program brings together fetal cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and cardiac interventionists as needed for each diagnosis. The team collaborates closely with obstetricians, maternal‑fetal medicine specialists, neonatologists, and delivery centers across Georgia to support high‑risk pregnancies and plan for delivery. Families also benefit from social work services and specialized cardiac nurses, ensuring both medical and emotional needs are addressed throughout pregnancy.

Early Diagnosis and Care Planning Improve Outcomes

Certain fetal heart conditions place newborns at risk for instability immediately after birth. Early diagnosis through fetal echocardiography allows care teams to counsel families and coordinate care in advance.

“Certain cardiac lesions are important to diagnose in the prenatal period because there is a high risk of the baby being unstable immediately after birth. When we diagnose a critical heart lesion by fetal echocardiography, we are able to counsel families and organize a team of neonatologists, obstetricians and cardiac intensivists to minimize instability and improve the baby’s short‑ and long‑term outcomes.”

Extensive Experience and Statewide Access

In 2025, the Fetal Cardiology Program performed more than 3,300 fetal echocardiograms, ranking it among the largest fetal cardiology programs in the country. With over 15 clinic locations across Georgia, families have convenient access to advanced fetal cardiac care closer to home. Each evaluation includes detailed imaging, individualized care plans, and clear recommendations shared with both families and referring physicians.

Why Choose Children’s for Fetal Cardiology Care?

• Fetal cardiologists with advanced training in fetal cardiac imaging
• Accredited in fetal echocardiography by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IACEL), ensuring high standards for image quality and diagnostic accuracy
• Advanced fetal echocardiography, including Early Gestation Fetal Imaging beginning as early as 13 weeks gestation
• Comprehensive coordination with OB/MFM teams and delivery centers to support high‑risk deliveries and continuity of care

Contributing Cardiologist: Sanghee S. Ro, MD

Physicians with Heart: Sanghee S. Ro

Expanded Access to Fetal Cardiology Program Improves Care for Mothers

For more information about Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology and our pediatric cardiology specialists, click here.