What is a nuchal translucency scan? When should you have it?

Nuchal translucency is one of the measurements that help predict the risk of the baby having Down syndrome. Nuchal translucency is the collection of fluid under the skin at the back of the baby's neck. The doctor measures the baby's nuchal translucency with an abdominal ultrasound when the baby is between 11 - 14 weeks, ideally at 12-13 weeks. If your uterus is tilted backwards or you are overweight, a transvaginal ultrasound will be done to get the most accurate result.

Before 11 weeks it is very hard to measure nuchal translucency accurately. And once the baby is past 14 weeks, the nuchal translucency result no longer helps determine whether baby is at risk of Down syndrome.

However, the nuchal translucency measurement only identifies 75% of the risk of the baby having Down syndrome. If the result falls into the high-risk group, the doctor will order further tests for a more accurate diagnosis.

Reference: hongngochospital.vn