Nuchal Translucency Scan (11-14 Weeks)

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Nuchal Translucency Scan Online

The 12 week Nuchal Translucency Scan can be performed to assess the risks of Down's, Edward’s, Patau’s syndrome and to diagnose certain major fetal abnormalities.

This is the first stage at which the fetus can be seen in greater detail. This scan confirms that there is a heartbeat, and the number of fetuses. The baby’s head, trunk, arms, legs, hands and feet can be seen and we will also look at the placenta, amniotic fluid and umbilical cord.

What is currently offered by the NHS?

Pregnant women are offered two routine ultrasound scans: One at approximately 12 weeks and the other at 20 weeks of pregnancy. As the 12 week Nuchal Translucency scan has strict time restraints (11+5 – 13+5 weeks) we often find that women come to have a scan with us as a result of the following:

• An appointment was not made for the correct date
• GP failed to send a referral through
• Fetal position was unfavourable and the Nuchal Translucency was not measured
• To check for a nasal bone
• Second opinion
• More detailed scan

What can this scan detect?

Each woman will be given an individual risk of chromosomal abnormalities for her pregnancy. The Nuchal Translucency scan has a sensitivity of 85% for detecting Down's Syndrome. This is calculated by taking into account certain factors including:-

• Age of the mother
• Nuchal Translucency measurements, this is the thickness of fluid behind the neck of the fetus
• Presence or absence of the fetal nasal bone
• Fetal heart rate
• Presence or absence of any structural abnormalities
• Level of two hormones (free ß-hCG and PAPP-A) in the mother's blood

What other information can I expect?

• Assess viability
• Confirm the number of babies
• Estimated due date

Is there someone I can talk to about the outcome of my scan?

The sonographers are highly skilled and accredited in the performance of this scan. They will be able to talk to you if you have additional questions, concerns or if you receive a high risk nuchal translucency scan result. Further tests including the NIPT (Harmony, Panorama, SAFE) or invasive tests such as a CVS or Amniocentesis can also be explained in depth.

Consultant or Sonographer?

This scan is best performed by a sonographer with backup consultant opinion available.

Is it easy to make an appointment?

We offer morning, afternoon and evening appointments during the week, as well as weekend appointments. A surcharge will be applied for evening and weekend appointments. We have a wide range of availability therefore short notice appointments can be easily arranged.

What you will receive:

• Ultrasound scan and Blood test
• Same day and next day results are available after the scan and blood test.
• Indication of any structural abnormalities.
• A report to file with your maternity notes.
• Ultrasound images
• Short video clips and ultrasound images sent electronically.

How is the scan electronically sent to you?

The Birth Company is the first clinic in UK to offer this service allowing you to share your pregnancy ultrasound with friends and family wherever they are in the world. This optional recording can be shared via Email, Facebook and Twitter. We will offer this to you routinely at the end of the scan. The transmission is instantaneous. Please note on this system currently there is no sound, only video. It is a national policy not to permit patient or partner's phone recording in a room. Simply tell your sonographer that you would like an electronic transmission of your scan. It will appear on your phone immediately.

How to Prepare for your scan

• A moderately full bladder will improve the visibility of the scan performed transabdominally (over the tummy).

What if my Nuchal Translucency Scan results show a high risk?

A Non Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) can be done after 10 weeks of pregnancy. We offer the following tests: Harmony NIPT, Panorama NIPT and SAFE NIPT. This test is non-invasive involving an ultrasound scan then a simple and safe blood test. NIPT has a sensitivity of  >99% for the detection of Down’s syndrome.

The only way to know for certain if the fetus has a chromosomal abnormality is to have an invasive test such as chorion villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. These tests carry a risk of miscarriage of approximately 1%.

What is the next scan following a Nuchal translucency scan?

If you receive a low risk result your next scan will be a reassurance scan, sexing scan or the 20 week anomaly scan.

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Nuchal Translucency Scan Online