What is a Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan?
The nuchal translucency (NT) scan is a specialized prenatal ultrasound performed during the first trimester of pregnancy. It measures the thickness of fluid at the back of your baby’s neck, known as the nuchal fold. This measurement, combined with other factors, helps assess the likelihood of chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13)the NT Scan Done?
The NT scan is typically performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, when the baby’s nuchal fold is still visible and can be accurately measured. This window corresponds to a crown-rump length (CRL) of 45-84 mm, ensuring clear imaging results .
What Hag the NT Scan?
The NT scan is a painless and non-invasive procedure. Here’s what you can expect:- Preparation: You may be asked to drink water beforehand to ensure a full bladder, which helps improve image clarity.
- The Ultrasound: Using a transabdominal probe, the sonographer captures images of your baby while measuring the fluid thickness in the nuchal fold.
- Additional Assessments: The baby’s nasal bone and heart rate might also be evaluated to provide more information about potential risks .
How is the NT Scaed?
A thicker-than-normal nuchal fold can indicate an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities. However, the NT scan alone does not provide a definitive diagnosis. It is combined with:- Blood tests: To measure pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels.
- Maternal factors: Such as age and family history.
What Happens if the NT Scan?
If your NT scan shows a higher risk, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing, such as:- Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT): A blood test that screens for chromosomal conditions.
- Diagnostic tests: Including chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, which provide a definitive diagnosis .
Is the NT Scan Safe?
Yes, the NT scan is comp for both mom and baby. It uses standard ultrasound technology, which does not pose any known risks .
The nuchal translucency scan is a valuable tessing your baby’s early development and identifying potential risks. While it can be an emotional process, it provides essential information to help guide your prenatal care. If you have concerns or questions about the NT scan, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Content Reviewed by Dr V.
Learn MoreDr. Vaheh Shirvanian, a family medicine physician and father. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in inpatient acute hospital care, outpatient family medicine, urgent care, emergency medicine, and hospice care. Dr. V is passionate about guiding new parents through the challenges and joys of parenthood, offering compassionate and expert support at every step.