Nuchal Translucency Screening

A nuchal translucency (NT) assessment is a specialized ultrasound performed in the first trimester of pregnancy, typically between 11 and the end of 13 weeks. This screening measures the fluid-filled space at the back of the baby’s neck.
In this stage of development, all babies have some fluid at the base of their necks, but a higher-than-normal amount of fluid can be an early indicator of certain chromosomal abnormalities. NT measurement is sometimes combined with the mother’s age and results from other screening blood work to calculate the overall risk of chromosomal conditions. It can also give us risk related information for a baby to have congenital cardiac disease, where the fetal heart forms differently.
The NT assessment is a non-invasive and safe procedure that gives expectant parents important information about the health of their baby. However, it’s important to remember that this is a screening test, not a diagnostic one, meaning it can assess the likelihood of a condition but not confirm it. If the results show a higher risk, further testing like non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) or amniocentesis may be recommended.