US PREGNANCY NT SCAN ( LEVEL 2)

NT Scan (Level2) Pregnancy Ultrasound Overview

• The Ultrasound Pregnancy NT Scan (Level 2), also referred to as Nuchal Translucency scan, is an ultrasound that checks the fetal development in the first trimester of pregnancy which is low risk and mother is fit to undergo this noninvasive procedure to detect Down syndrome among the five chromosomes in infant. 
• Nuchal translucency scans are generally carried out between 11 to 14 weeks of gestation. Additional amniotic fluid around the back of the fetus’s neck and extending to the head is measured. 
• As for preparation, a patient may not require much but possibly to fill bladders in order to improve the quality of images obtained. The patient should also advise their doctor about the medications that they are taking. 

What is Ultrasound Pregnancy NT Scan?   

• High frequency sound waves allowing good visualization and capturing images of developing fetus using NT scan is performed assisting in elucidation of markers indicating possible chromosomal aberrations. 
• For the best results, a transducer moves in a controlled manner over the abdomen or parts around the uterus utilizing sound waves that echo back and form an image conveying ultrasound images of internal organs such as the baby inside the womb. 

Types of Ultrasound Pregnancy NT Scan 

• Even though the NT scan is usually performed alone, it can also be performed together with first trimester blood tests. The combination of the two procedures along to as the first trimester screen is more accurate than the NT scan alone. 

Parameters Taken into Consideration During the NT Scan (Level2) Pregnancy Ultrasound:

• The area of interest for the specialists is to assess the nuchal translucency thickness. 
• Other markers that would be tested and that could point out the possibility of chromosomal dysmorphism include the nasal bone. 
• There could be changes in interpretation that may be required due to maternal adaptive factors such as age, weight and medical history. 

Reasons for Taking an NT Scan (Level2) Pregnancy Ultrasound

A pregnant woman who is routinely pregnant should go for an NT scan if there is a failure to obtain an NT previously. Other indications include a screening of: 

• Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) 
• Edward's syndrome and Trisomy 18 (18) 
• Other genetic and structural disfigurements 

When and Who Needs to Take an Ultrasound Pregnancy NT Scan? 

• Between the 11th and 14th weeks of pregnancy all pregnant women should be offered an NT scan to rule out chromosomal anomalies. 
• This is more so for those who have a family history of genetic disorder, older women who will give birth when they are 35 years old or older at delivery, or women who had previously given birth to children with chromosomal disorders. 

Benefits of Taking the Test:

• Helps the patients get a more comprehensive risk profile for this potential GIS(cytogenetics) finding and helps clients plan for the pregnancy professionally. 
• In addition to being free of any invasiveness, the procedure is safe and relaxing for the expectant couple. 

Illnesses Diagnosed with NT Scan (Level2) Pregnancy Ultrasound:

NT scan is only used to measure nuchal translucency and as such may not in itself be used in the diagnosis of illnesses but can use in the probability of stating that; 

• Down's syndrome 
• Suite Edward 
• And Patau syndrome 

Preparing for NT Scan (Level2) Pregnancy Ultrasound:

• Patients are also asked to drink a glass of water, which is thought to facilitate improved imaging as a full bladder is believed beneficial for imaging a certain area of childbirth, which in this case is the fetal position. 
• The patient should dress to allow easy undressing, loose and simple clothing which can be accessed without any difficulty even to the abdominal area. 

Pre-requisites: 

• There are no pre requisites, except for booking the scan at the right time (11 to 14 weeks of gestation). 
• It is best to report the medicines being taken to the healthcare provider, but these tend to be of little relevance to the scan. 

Best Time to Take the Ultrasound Pregnancy NT Scan: 

• The best period is between the 11th and 14th weeks of pregnancy when the nuchal translucency is measured most easily and most accurately. 

Eligibility: 

• This is recommended for all pregnant women in the first trimester, specifically women over the age of 35 years and those who have a positive family history of genetic diseases. 

Procedure for Taking an Ultrasound Pregnancy NT Scan: 

• 20 minutes is the approximate duration for the entire scan procedure though it can last up to 40 minutes: 1.Takes the patient lying on the examination table. 2.A liquid is placed on the abdomen to enhance the conversations of sound. 3.The transducer moves to the area of the abdomen to obtain images. 4.The measurement of the nuchal translucency is performed by the technician, together with other markers including nowadays looking for the nose bone. 

Caution Before Taking the Test: 

• Latex or gel allergies must be reported to the technician in order to avoid complications. 
• Other conditions should still be clarified as to the effect it would have on the scan readers.