PREGNANCY NT SCAN - TWINS ULTRASOUND SCAN
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About The Test
Pregnancy NT Scan - Twins Ultrasound Scan: What Expecting Parents Need to Know
Expecting twins is twice the excitement—and also twice the questions. One of the earliest milestones in a twin pregnancy is the Pregnancy NT Scan - Twins Ultrasound Scan. This simple, non-invasive ultrasound, performed between 11 and 13 weeks + 6 days, screens each baby for chromosome conditions and structural anomalies while confirming how the twins share the placenta and amniotic sacs.
Cadabams Diagnostics specializes in high-resolution twin NT scans, giving parents clear answers the same day. Below, we break down everything you need to know before your appointment.
What is the Pregnancy NT Scan - Twins Ultrasound Scan?
“NT” stands for nuchal translucency, a small collection of fluid at the back of each baby’s neck. In a twin pregnancy, the sonographer measures this fluid in Twin A and Twin B separately with ultrasound. A thicker-than-normal measurement can signal a higher chance of Down syndrome, trisomy 18 or trisomy 13, while a normal range offers early reassurance.
Because twins share the womb space, the scan also checks chorionicity (whether the babies share one placenta or each has their own) and amnionicity (whether they share an amniotic sac). These details guide future monitoring and delivery planning.
Types of Pregnancy NT Scan - Twins Ultrasound Scan
Type | Use Case |
---|---|
Transabdominal | Standard approach; requires comfortably full bladder |
Transvaginal | Used when abdominal pictures are unclear or in mothers with high BMI |
List of Parameters
- NT thickness Twin A and Twin B
- Crown–rump length (CRL) of each twin
- Chorionicity and amnionicity determination
- Presence or absence of nasal bone in each twin
- Ductus venosus blood-flow pattern
- Early check for major structural defects
Why This Test
- Screen for Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13 in both babies
- Detect early structural anomalies (heart, brain, abdominal wall)
- Decide whether additional testing is required
- Confirm chorionicity—critical for later twin-to-twin-transfusion monitoring
When to Take Test
- Ideal timing: 11 weeks + 0 days to 13 weeks + 6 days
- Who: All dichorionic (separate placentas) and monochorionic (shared placenta) twin pregnancies
- Why early booking matters: Twin slots fill quickly; reserve as soon as your obstetrician refers you.
Benefits
Benefits of the Scan at Cadabams Diagnostics
- Non-invasive first-line screening—no needles, no risk
- Same-day results with printed color images
- Fetal-medicine specialist review—every scan is double-checked
- Detailed chorionicity check—guides ongoing twin care
- Early reassurance or timely intervention pathway
Illnesses the Scan Can Flag
Condition Detected | Description |
---|---|
Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) | Extra chromosome 21 |
Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) | Extra chromosome 18 |
Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) | Extra chromosome 13 |
Major structural defects | Heart, brain, spine, abdominal wall, limbs |
Preparing for test
- Drink 500 ml of water 45 minutes before the appointment.
- Wear loose, two-piece clothing for easy abdominal access.
- Bring previous pregnancy records (if any).
- Do not empty your bladder fully before the scan.
Pre-requisites & Booking
- Referral: A referral from your obstetrician is required.
- Booking: Call Cadabams Diagnostics at least 7–10 days in advance to secure a twin slot.
Eligibility & Best Timing
Eligible | Not Eligible |
---|---|
All twin pregnancies regardless of IVF or spontaneous conception | Pregnancies beyond 14 weeks gestation |
Step-by-Step Procedure at Cadabams Diagnostics
- Check-in & history: Verify identity, last menstrual period, and previous records.
- Ultrasound: 20–30 minute high-resolution scan of each twin.
- Review: Images interpreted by a fetal-medicine specialist.
- Report: Color printout and digital copy; risk assessment explained on the same day.
Caution Before the Test
- Keep bladder comfortably full—do not empty fully.
- Report any vaginal bleeding or pain to the sonographer before the scan begins.
Test Results
Understanding Your Results
Parameter | Twin A | Twin B | Reference Range |
---|---|---|---|
NT thickness | 1.4 mm | 1.6 mm | < 3 mm |
CRL | 62 mm | 64 mm | 45–84 mm at 11–13+6 weeks |
Nasal bone | Present | Present | Should be visible |
Chorionicity | Dichorionic | Dichorionic | Confirmed |
Risk assessment | Low | Low | 1 : > 10,000 |
Risks & Limitations
- Safety: Ultrasound uses sound waves—no radiation, no known harm to mother or babies.
- Lower detection rate: Screening accuracy in twins is ~75–80 %, slightly below singleton pregnancies.
- Possible inconclusive results: High NT may prompt NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) or invasive procedures like CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling).
FAQs
Can both twins be screened in one NT scan?
Yes. Each baby is measured separately.
What if one twin shows high NT?
Cadabams may offer NIPT or CVS for definitive results.
Is the scan painful?
Transabdominal scans are painless; transvaginal scans may cause mild pressure.
How accurate is NT screening in twins?
Approximately 75–80 % detection rate—slightly lower than in singletons.
Do I need a full bladder?
Yes, for clearer abdominal images.
When will I get results?
Same day at Cadabams Diagnostics.