What is an NT Scan?
An NT scan, or Nuchal Translucency test is an ultrasound scan that is generally done between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy (First Trimester) to determine the nuchal translucency measurement – a fluid-filled space behind the baby’s neck and nasal bone – a bright echogenic space found between the tip of the baby’s nose.
This scan is performed to rule out any chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
In addition to this, the blood flow and various other body parts visualized in the first trimester are also examined.
Best NT Scan in Chennai
Jammi Scans at T.Nagar is the top choice for NT Scan in Chennai by many moms-to-be. We at Jammi Scans offer you the best obstetric scan services in Chennai, providing you and your unborn with a clean and positive environment.
Here, your scans are done by the award-winning Obstetrician and Gynecologist in the city, Dr. Deepthi Jammi (Founder & Fetal Medical Consultant, Jammi Scans). Our doctor and her team give their best to ensure premium-level health for you and your child.
Why is an NT Scan Performed During Pregnancy?
The nuchal translucency NT scan is done to identify the risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome, trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome), and trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) in the fetus.
This scan only identifies the possibility of a chromosomal abnormality, but it cannot diagnose it.
When the test results denote higher chromosomal abnormality risks, additional tests such as chorionic villus sampling CVS or amniocentesis are recommended.
What is Down Syndrome?
Generally, a baby inherits 46 chromosomes from the parents (23 from the mother and 23 from the father). Whereas, for a baby with Down Syndrome, there are three copies of chromosome number 21.
Such people have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46 (23 pairs). The extra chromosome appears with the 21st pair.
40% of Down’s Syndrome cases do not exhibit structural abnormalities in a scan.
Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13 ( carrying the same risk factors) are less common than Down’s syndrome.
These are other genetic disorders carrying serious conditions, including birth defects, severe disability, and shortened life span. Most of these are diagnosable during the prenatal window.
What happens if a baby is in the high-risk category?
You are offered genetic counseling by your fetal expert if your NT scan detects the presence of abnormalities in the baby along with any soft markers.
Soft markers are fetal sonographic findings that indicate an underlying chromosomal or non-chromosomal abnormality.
During genetic counseling, your fetal expert recommends two different types of confirmatory testing
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): It is an invasive diagnostic procedure.
During this procedure, you will be guided by a scan to pass a needle through your abdomen to collect chorionic villi (placental tissue) samples for testing.
This is a 100% confirmatory test for any chromosomal disorders in your baby.
Amniocentesis is a prenatal procedure during which your fetal medicine specialist extracts an amniotic fluid sample from the uterus to identify the baby’s chromosomal abnormalities.
Is NT Scan Painful?
The answer is NO; the nuchal translucency scan is not painful. The NT scan is a safe and non-invasive ultrasound scan.
When is the Best Time to Have an NT Scan?
The best time to take an NT scan is during the first trimester, which is between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy.
It gives accurate NT scan results. This is the maximum time frame recommended since your baby’s neck will be transparent until then, which helps measure the fluid behind the baby’s neck.
How to Read NT Scan Report?
The NT scan report gives information about the crown-rump length (CRL), fetal nuchal translucency measurement, and other factors.
What can be done if you miss the first trimester NT scan?
A second-trimester (16 to 20 weeks) screening test is offered if you have missed the first-trimester NT scan.
However, the test sensitivity for Down Syndrome in this is lower than the first trimester NT scan.
How Long Does It Take to Get NT Scan Results?
In general, you will receive the NT scan result immediately. However, it may vary based on your scan centre.
What is Double Marker Test?
The double marker test is a blood test that is done along with the NT scan to detect any chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
It measures the levels of PAPP-A (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A) and beta hCG hormones in the blood.
Is a Double Marker Test Necessary After an NT Scan?
The double marker is a mandatory test and may be recommended by your gynecologist.
The NT scan gives information about the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, whereas the double marker test provides extra information about your pregnancy.
Do We Need to Drink Water for NT Scan?
It is not mandatory to drink water before the NT scan. The NT scan test is performed with a full bladder.
Thus, the full bladder lifts up the uterus and gives a clear fetus image.
The gynecologist might ask the expectant mother to drink enough water and make sure the bladder is full before the NT scan.
How to Change Baby Position for NT Scan?
If the baby is not in a proper position, the NT scan test result might be inaccurate.
To change the position, your gynaecologist may advise the expectant mother to try again after a break.
The healthcare provider will apply a gel to the patient’s belly. A handheld device, such as an ultrasound transducer, will be moved around the stomach.
It generates high frequency sound waves and creates images of your baby.
What is CRL in NT Scan?
The CRL is known as the Crown-Rump Length and is referred to as the fetus length, which is calculated between the top of the head and the bottom of the spine.
The gestational fetus age is calculated from the CRL measurement.
In conclusion, Your gynecologist might recommend both an NT scan and a double marker test to obtain more accurate results.
It is necessary that you follow the instructions of your healthcare provider and clarify your concerns before the scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
An NT scan measurement upto 2.8mm around 13weeks is considered as normal
NT scan is an ultrasound scan that mainly helps to assess your developing baby’s risk of having Down syndrome and some other chromosomal abnormalities. While an anomaly scan is used to look for any abnormalities in your baby’s body parts.
An NT scan takes about 20 minutes to 30 minutes for completion.
NT scans are not painful. They sometimes might cause discomfort as you may feel some pressure when the sonographer presses on your abdomen to get a clear picture.