Nuchal Translucency Scan

Occurs  11 to 13 weeks + 6 days (11 - 13 + 6 weeks)

Reasons

• confirm an on going live pregnancy
• determine the number of fetuses

- Approximately 2% of natural conceptions and 10% of assisted conceptions result in multiple pregnancy. Early ultrasound scanning allows us to determine whether the babies share the same placenta. A single placenta increases the risk of complications to the pregnancy and may require closer monitoring.

• assess early anatomical development
• confirm dates
• measure the nuchal translucency

- this measurement in conjunction with your blood test provides the information required for the first trimester combined screening risk assessment for Down Syndrome as recommended by the Ministry of Health, February 2010.

 

Preparation

• normal food
• try to have a full bladder. Empty bladder 1 hour before the appointment, then immediately drink 3 large glasses of water (750mls). Do not empty bladder again until after the examination.

What to expect

The scan is usually performed transabdominally but occasionally it may be necessary to do the examination transvaginally.