What is NT Scan in Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a journey filled with anticipation and wonder, but it also comes with important decisions about your baby's health. Prenatal screenings and tests play a vital role in providing information about your baby's development. One such test is the NT scan, which is often performed during the first trimester. So, what is NT scan in pregnancy, and why is it recommended? Let's explore.

Like most expecting couples who do not know what is BPD in pregnancy, the NT scan is also something new. The NT scan, or nuchal translucency scan, is a non-invasive ultrasound examination typically performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. This scan measures the fluid-filled space at the back of your baby's neck, known as the nuchal translucency.

The primary purpose of the NT scan is to assess the risk of your baby having certain chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13). It's important to note that the NT scan is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. This means it can identify babies at higher risk for these conditions but cannot definitively diagnose them.

Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)

This is the most common chromosomal abnormality, occurring when a baby has an extra copy of chromosome 21. It can cause intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, and characteristic physical features.

Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18)

This condition occurs when a baby has an extra copy of chromosome 18. It is a serious condition associated with severe intellectual disabilities, heart defects, and other physical abnormalities. Sadly, many babies with Edwards syndrome do not survive beyond their first year of life.

Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13)

This condition occurs when a baby has an extra copy of chromosome 13. Like Edwards syndrome, it is a serious condition associated with severe intellectual disabilities, heart defects, brain abnormalities, and other physical abnormalities. Many babies with Patau syndrome do not survive beyond their first year of life.

The NT scan is a relatively quick and painless procedure. You'll lie down comfortably while a sonographer applies a special gel to your abdomen. Then, they'll use an ultrasound probe to create images of your baby on a monitor. The sonographer will carefully measure the clear space at the back of your baby's neck.

There's no special preparation needed for the NT scan. You can eat and drink normally beforehand. You may be asked to have a full bladder for the scan, as this can improve the visibility of the uterus and baby. However, this is not always necessary. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen.

The nuchal translucency test is quite accurate when combined with other first-trimester screenings, such as blood tests. The detection rate for Down syndrome using the combined test (NT scan plus blood test) is around 85-90%. This means that out of 100 babies with Down syndrome, the test will correctly identify approximately 85-90 of them.

However, like any screening test, the NT scan has limitations:

• False Positives: A false positive occurs when the test indicates a high risk of a chromosomal abnormality, but the baby is actually healthy. The false positive rate for the combined test is around 5%. This means that out of 100 babies who do not have Down syndrome, the test will incorrectly identify about 5 of them as high risk.
• False Negatives: A false negative occurs when the test indicates a low risk of a chromosomal abnormality, but the baby actually has the condition. The false negative rate for the combined test is around 10-15%.

It's crucial to remember that the NT scan is just one piece of the puzzle. Your healthcare provider will consider your individual risk factors, medical history, and other screening results to provide a comprehensive assessment of your baby's health.

The results of the nuchal translucency test are combined with your age and other factors, such as blood test results, to calculate the risk of your baby having a chromosomal abnormality.

• NT normal range at 12 weeks: The normal range for nuchal translucency varies depending on the baby's crown-rump length (CRL). Generally, a measurement of less than 3mm is considered within the normal range at 12 weeks.

If the nuchal translucency measurement is higher than average, it may indicate an increased risk of a chromosomal abnormality. However, it's crucial to remember that many babies with increased nuchal translucency measurements are born healthy.

If your NT scan results indicate an increased risk, your healthcare provider will discuss further testing options, such as:

• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): A procedure that involves taking a small sample of tissue from the placenta to analyze the baby's chromosomes.
• Amniocentesis: A procedure that involves taking a sample of amniotic fluid to analyze the baby's chromosomes.

These diagnostic tests can provide definitive results about whether your baby has a chromosomal abnormality.

• Early detection: The NT scan allows for early detection of potential chromosomal abnormalities, giving you time to consider your options and make informed decisions.
• Non-invasive: The NT scan is a non-invasive procedure that poses no risk to you or your baby.
• Combined with other screenings: The NT scan can be combined with other first-trimester screenings, such as blood tests, to provide a more comprehensive assessment of your baby's health.

• Screening, not diagnostic: The NT scan is a screening test and cannot definitively diagnose a chromosomal abnormality.
• False positives: It's possible to have a higher than average nuchal translucency measurement even if your baby is healthy.
• False negatives: The NT scan may not detect all cases of chromosomal abnormalities.

The NT scan, or nuchal translucency screening, is a valuable prenatal screening tool that can provide important information about your baby's health. While it cannot diagnose chromosomal abnormalities, it can identify babies at higher risk, allowing for further testing and informed decision-making. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the NT scan, discuss them with your healthcare provider.

In which week is NT scan in pregnancy done? 

The NT scan is typically done between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy.

What is NT scan price in India? 

The cost of an NT scan in India can vary depending on the clinic or hospital. It generally ranges from ₹1,500 to ₹5,000.

What is the normal range of NT scan at 12 weeks? 

A nuchal translucency measurement of less than 3mm is generally considered within the normal range at 12 weeks.

Is NT scan painful? 

No, the NT scan is a painless procedure. You may feel slight pressure from the ultrasound probe on your abdomen.

How is NT scan done? 

The NT scan is done using an ultrasound probe placed on your abdomen to create images of your baby and measure the fluid at the back of their neck.

What are the risks of NT scan? 

The NT scan is a non-invasive procedure and poses no risk to you or your baby.

Is NT scan covered by insurance? 

Coverage for the NT scan varies depending on your insurance plan. Check with your insurance provider for details.

What happens if my NT scan results are abnormal? 

Your doctor will discuss further testing options, such as CVS or amniocentesis, to get a definitive diagnosis.

Can I eat before the NT scan? 

Yes, you can eat and drink normally before the NT scan.

Do I need a full bladder for an NT scan? 

A full bladder may be recommended for better visualization, but it's not always necessary. Check with your healthcare provider.

Why is the NT scan done in the first trimester? 

The nuchal translucency is most accurately measured between 11 and 14 weeks.

Can the NT scan detect other abnormalities besides chromosomal issues? 

Yes, the NT scan can sometimes detect heart defects and other structural abnormalities.

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