US PREGNANCY NT SCAN ( LEVEL 2)

The Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan is a routine, non-invasive ultrasound examination that forms a crucial part of the first trimester screening test. It is a safe and common procedure offered to all pregnant women to gain important insights into the health and development of their baby. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we provide this scan to offer you reassurance and vital information during the early stages of your pregnancy journey.

What is a Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan?

A Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan is a specialized nuchal translucency ultrasound. In simple terms, this scan measures the tiny, clear (translucent) space in the tissue at the back of a developing baby's neck. This space is known as the nuchal translucency.

During early development, all babies have a small amount of fluid in this area. However, an increased amount of fluid can be an early indicator of certain chromosomal abnormalities. The measurement obtained during the NT scan is a key marker that, when combined with other factors like a maternal blood test and age, helps our specialists assess the risk level for specific conditions.

Types of NT Scan

The NT scan is typically performed as a transabdominal ultrasound, where the probe is moved over your abdomen. For the most accurate risk assessment, the results of the NT scan are combined with a maternal blood test, often called the Double Marker Test. This combined approach is known as the "Combined First Trimester Screening." The blood test measures the levels of two specific pregnancy-related proteins, which adds another layer of data to the risk calculation. For more details, you can learn about our [Link to: Double Marker Test] services.

Our expert sonographers will carefully assess several key markers during your NT scan:

• Nuchal Translucency (NT) Measurement: This is the primary measurement of the fluid-filled space at the back of the fetal neck.
• Crown-Rump Length (CRL): The sonographer measures the baby from the top of its head (crown) to the bottom of its buttocks (rump). This measurement is essential to confirm the baby's gestational age and ensure the NT scan is being performed within the correct developmental window.
• Presence or Absence of the Nasal Bone: The visibility of the fetal nasal bone is a significant secondary marker. A present nasal bone is a reassuring finding.

There are several important reasons to undergo an NT scan in your first trimester:

• Early Risk Assessment: The primary reason is to get an early indication of the risk for major chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards' syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau's syndrome (Trisomy 13).
• Accurate Gestational Age: The CRL measurement provides one of the most accurate estimations of your due date.
• Detecting Multiple Pregnancies: The scan will confirm if you are carrying twins, triplets, or more.

When and Who Needs to Take an NT Scan?

The timing of the NT scan is critical for its accuracy. It must be performed within a specific window: between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. This is why it is often referred to as the 12 week pregnancy scan.

This scan is recommended for all pregnant women, regardless of their age, medical history, or perceived risk factors. It is a standard component of prenatal care that provides a valuable early assessment for every pregnancy.

Benefits of Taking the Test:

The benefits of having an NT scan extend beyond the clinical results:

• Early Peace of Mind: For the vast majority of women, the results are low-risk, providing valuable reassurance early in the pregnancy.
• Completely Safe: Being non-invasive, it poses no harm to the mother or the developing baby.
• Informed Decision-Making: If a high-risk result is returned, it empowers parents with early information, allowing them to discuss and decide on further diagnostic testing options (like NIPT, CVS, or amniocentesis) with their doctor.

Illnesses Diagnosed with NT Scan (Level2) Pregnancy Ultrasound:

It is important to remember that this test screens for, but does not diagnose, the following conditions:

• Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
• Edwards' syndrome (Trisomy 18)
• Patau's syndrome (Trisomy 13)

In some cases, a significantly increased NT measurement can also be an early indicator for potential major congenital heart defects, prompting a more detailed cardiac scan later in the pregnancy.

Preparation for your NT scan at Cadabams Diagnostics is simple:

• Hydration: You will likely be asked to drink several glasses of water about an hour before your appointment and avoid using the restroom. A full bladder helps to lift the uterus, providing a clearer view of the baby.
• Clothing: Wear comfortable, two-piece clothing that allows for easy access to your lower abdomen.
• Documents: Please bring your doctor's referral letter and any reports from previous pregnancy scans you may have had.

Pre-requisites

• A valid prescription or referral from your obstetrician or healthcare provider.
• The pregnancy must be within the correct gestational window: 11 weeks, 0 days to 13 weeks, 6 days.

Best Time to Take the NT Scan

To get the most accurate results, the NT scan must be performed between the 11th and 14th week of pregnancy. We highly recommend booking your appointment in advance to ensure you secure a slot within this critical period.

Eligibility

All pregnant women in their first trimester are eligible and strongly encouraged to take the NT scan as part of their routine prenatal care.

Procedure for Taking an NT Scan

The procedure is straightforward and comfortable:

• Step 1: You will be asked to lie down comfortably on the examination table.
• Step 2: Our sonographer will apply a clear, water-based gel to your lower abdomen. This gel helps transmit the sound waves effectively.
• Step 3: A small, handheld device called a transducer is gently moved over your abdomen. It sends high-frequency sound waves into the uterus, which bounce off the baby and return to the transducer to create an image on the monitor.
• Step 4: The sonographer will carefully take the precise measurements of the nuchal translucency, crown-rump length, and other necessary parameters.

The entire scan typically takes about 20-30 minutes to complete. This is just one of the many specialized scans available through our [Link to: Obstetric Ultrasound Services] page.

Caution Before Taking the Test

For the most accurate assessment, please be sure to inform the sonographer of the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). It is also important to mention any personal or family history of genetic conditions or any previous high-risk pregnancies.