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Illness & prevention

What are normal and abnormal nuchal translucency measurements?

Updated 8 Nov 2026

In babies with chromosomal abnormalities, heart defects and many genetic syndromes, the nuchal translucency is thicker. Nuchal translucency measurements are classified as follows:

Normal nuchal translucency:

- 2mm for a baby at 11 weeks.

- Under 2.5mm for a baby at 12 weeks.

- 2.8mm for a baby at 13 weeks.

Abnormal nuchal translucency:

- Nuchal translucency over 3mm: Risk of Down syndrome.

- Nuchal translucency of 6mm: The baby is at risk of Down syndrome as well as other birth defects.

- Nuchal translucency of 3.2 – 3.5mm: High likelihood of the baby having Down syndrome.

Note that the nuchal translucency ultrasound only correctly identifies 75% of the risk of Down syndrome. Depending on the nuchal translucency result, you may need further non-invasive screening tests such as NIPT, the Triple test or the Double test, or invasive testing such as amniocentesis for a more accurate diagnosis.

Reference: hongngochospital.vn

Sources

Content advised by our doctors.

  1. hongngochospital.vn

This article helps you understand and prepare. It does not replace a check-up. For an answer about your own situation, please ask the doctor who is caring for you.