US PREGNANCY NT SCAN - TWINS

US Pregnancy NT Scan - Twins Overview 

The Ultrasound (US) Pregnancy Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan for twins is an advanced imaging procedure performed in the first trimester to evaluate both foetuses for the possibility of Down syndrome. The procedure measures the translucency of fluid collection at the back of the babies' necks, and it is done along with blood tests for a more accurate assessment of risk.  

What is US Pregnancy NT Scan - Twins? 

The ultrasound involves the application of sound waves of high frequency to produce images of the twin foetuses during their first trimester. It aims at capturing the nuchal translucency (fluid space at the back of the neck) region to evaluate the probability of some genetic conditions. This scan is usually done when a mother is between 11 to 14 weeks pregnant. 

Types of US Pregnancy NT Scan - Twins 

• Transabdominal NT Scan: It is the most common approach for determining nuchal translucency by using an outside probe on the abdomen 
• Transvaginal NT Scan: If the abdominal scan has not provided clear images, it will be used 

• Thickness of nuchal translucency (NT)  
• Measurements for the crown-rump length (CRL) for each foetus.  
• Presence of nasal bone 

A chronicity evaluation and assessment of foetal heart rate are a couple of components which define an ultrasound for twin pregnancies. 

• Evaluating the possibility of chromosomal defects, notably in early pregnancy. 
• Assisting in the management of the pregnancy by providing information on twin placentation. 
• Identifying some of the structural anomalies which may pose issues later in the pregnancy. 
• Contributing to other important decisions concerning the prenatal tests that need to be conducted. 

When and Who Needs a US Pregnancy NT Scan - Twins? 

Indications: 

• Mandatory screening in the first trimester for all twin pregnancies 
• Requires age over 35 (increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities) 
• Genetic disorders with history in the family 
• Abnormal early pregnancy screening test results 
• Women with prior pregnancies having chromosomal anomalies 

Patient Demographics: 

• Women who are pregnant with twins 
• At risk for chromosomal abnormalities are women. 
• Women who are pregnant and screened earlier than the normal calendar. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

• No loss of health or risk to the pregnancies is present due to the non-invasive nature of this scan. 
• Allows for the identification of potential presence of high-risk pregnancies. 
• Facilitates improved management of the pregnancy. 
• Offers a sense of comfort and relief to the parents anticipating the arrival of the babies. 

Illness Diagnosed with US Pregnancy NT Scan - Twins

• Risk of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) for monochorionic twins 
• Down’s syndrome, which is otherwise known as Trisomy 21 
• Various forms of structural abnormalities, heart defects and neural tube defects 
• Trisomy 13 or 18 

• Allow for time before the scan so that all the required preparations can be done beforehand. 
• Use previous complications faced during pregnancies to better analyse the situation at hand and assess the issues that can happen if procedures are not taken. 
• Start off by telling your technician during the scan that they must ensure a clear bladder by drinking water before the procedure begins. 

Pre-requisites 

• Only with the necessary help of a qualified sonographer skilled in taking NT measurements at the set time of 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy will this procedure be possible. Women within the 11–14-week gestation period mark are the prime candidates for NT Measurements, which makes this the best time for ultrasound pregnancy scans.  

Best Time to Take the US Pregnancy NT Scan - Twins 

• Most suitable when performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. 

Eligibility 

• Important for all cases of twin pregnancies.  
• Required for women with high-risk pregnancies. 

Procedure for Taking a US Pregnancy NT Scan - Twins 

• The patient takes the supine position on the examination table, exposing the abdomen.  
• An ultrasound gel is placed on the patient’s abdomen to enhance wave conduction.  
• The probe is swept over the patient’s tummy to get images of the foetus.  
• The sonographer performs dimensioning of NT thickness and other foetal biometry.  
• The usual scan duration is 20-40 minutes.  

Caution Before Taking the Test 

• Report to the technologist any medical conditions or prior atypical pregnancies.  
• Adhere to all preparatory steps to enable optimal imaging accuracy.