When planning for a nuchal translucency screening, most women wonder how is NT scan done in pregnancy. Well, the doctor conducts either abdominal or vaginal ultrasound to estimate the nuchal fold. Despite all unborn babies having some fluid at the back of their necks, babies with genetic disorders have abnormally more fluid, making the space appear thicker.
Let's explore how is NT scan done during pregnancy.
Nuchal Translucency Screening Process
For those asking, how is nuchal translucency screening done? The NT scan process is as follows:
- The medical practitioner spreads ultrasound gel on your abdomen.
- The doctor then moves a handheld device, known as a transducer, around your stomach.
- Here, the images of the baby will pop up on a screen.
- The doctor will take measurements (in millimetres) of the fluid-filled space at the back of your baby's neck.
Most medical practitioners combine the NT ultrasound with other first-trimester blood screenings, which increases the accuracy of predicting genetic conditions by about 95 percent.
Conclusion
A nuchal translucency (NT) screening is an optional ultrasound test done in the first trimester of pregnancy. It helps establish your baby's risk of congenital disorders. It's more accurate at detecting genetic conditions when combined with other blood tests. Your healthcare provider will recommend further tests if he determines that your baby is at higher risk for congenital disorders. Remember that a good health insurance policy is essential to cover the cost of the entire process.