During pregnancy, different types of scans are prescribed by your obstetrician to determine the health and development of the growing foetus. Among them, an NT scan is done during the first trimester which gives important information and hence, should not be skipped. Let’s understand Nuchal Translucency Scan or NT Scan better so that you can go through a peaceful experience during the scan and pregnancy.
What is NT scan?
The Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan is a prenatal ultrasound that is typically performed during the first trimester between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy. It is used to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, mainly Down’s syndrome, in a developing foetus. In combination with other prenatal screening tests and blood tests, the NT scan can provide information to expectant parents about the health of their foetus.
What does an NT scan check?
The scan measures the clear (translucent) space in the tissue at the back of the foetus’ neck, which can be thicker in foetuses who has certain chromosomal abnormalities.
In addition to measuring the nuchal translucency, the NT scan also provides valuable information about the foetus’ development and anatomy. We also check for the foetus’ crown-rump length, head circumference, and abdominal circumference to determine the gestational age. Other markers such as nasal bone, ductus venosus, and tricuspid regurgitation, are also evaluated to look for an increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities.
How does NT scan indicate chromosomal abnormalities?
All babies have fluid behind their necks. During a nuchal translucency scan, the doctor looks at a clear space at the back of the baby’s neck called the nuchal thickness. If the baby has any chromosomal abnormality, then the fluid build-up can be more than usual making the clear space appear larger than average. More fluid in this area could indicate that the baby has conditions like Down syndrome, Patau syndrome, or Edwards syndrome. A higher NT measurement may also indicate an increased risk for congenital heart conditions in which case, more tests and scans like foetal echocardiogram may need to be conducted. The results of the NT scan during pregnancy can determine if the baby is likely or unlikely to have these conditions.
At the time of NT scan, ultrasound also screens for the basic anatomical structures of your unborn baby or foetus. Other abnormalities identified at the time of NT may increase the risk for genetic issues. In addition to the NT scan, blood tests conducted also provides accurate results.
Are there any risks involved with an NT scan?
NT scan in pregnancy alone can detect about 70% of cases with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). The accuracy of predicting conditions increases to about 95% when combined with first-trimester blood tests. The NT scan is a non-invasive and safe procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the foetus. It does not pose any threat to the mother and baby.
Why should NT scan be performed mandatorily?
As you get older, the chances of having a baby with chromosomal abnormalities also increase. That being said, anyone can have a baby with chromosomal abnormalities and hence the NT scan screening is offered to all pregnant women to rule out any such risk. If you are more concerned about the health and development of the baby, then an NT Scan can relieve you of all worries and make sure that your baby is safe.
Ambady Scan Centre has invested in the latest available technology in this field ever since its inception in 1996. Ambady Scan Centre provides ultrasound scans, including nuchal translucency scan, among other imaging services. With more than 25 years of experience and the latest technology, Ambady Scan Centre offers the most reliable and accurate results.
