12 week NT scan 10.20.11

Today we had our 12 week NT (Nuchal Translucency scan) for the baby.  Technically, I am 12 weeks 4 days...but baby is measuring just over 13 weeks on the ultrasound.  Our NT scan had good results (fortunately).  Part of this entire test, however, is a 2-part blood test...one part was done today, the other will be done in another 4 weeks.  We'll have those results in probably 5 weeks which will give us a risk assessment for some chromosomal abnormalities.  We had this same test done with Shannon.  Be sure to scroll (or read) all the way down for our baby's ultrasound picture! 

Here's what the NT scan is used for:

What is the Nuchal Translucency? The nuchal translucency (also spelled nucal translucency) is a collection of fluid beneath the fetal skin in the region of the fetal neck and this is present and seen in all fetuses in early pregnancy. The fluid collection is however increased in many fetuses with Down's syndrome and many other chromosomal abnormalities. It is called a 'translucency' because on ultrasound this appears as a black space beneath the fetal skin. It is this black space that you will see measured during the ultrasound scan. Currently the most accurate non invasive test for detecting Down syndrome during pregnancy is the measurement of the nuchal translucency with an ultrasound between 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. This is normally less than 2.5mm and when seen increased (greater than 2.5mm, see image on the right) may indicate the baby has Down syndrome or may indicate another chromosomal abnormality. 95% of measurements will indicate a reduced risk.

	Fetal Nasal Bone
	The nuchal translucency test will also check whether your baby has a visible nasal bone. In the past few years it has been seen that approximately 3 in 4 babies with Down's syndrome do not have a visible nasal bone at the time of the first trimester screening test. If the nasal bone is visible at the scan then this will reduce the chance of your baby having Down's syndrome. The view of the nasal bone should show three distinct lines: • The first two lines, are horizontal and parallel to each other, resembling an 'equal sign'. The top line represents the skin and bottom one, represents the nasal bone. • A third line, almost in continuity with the skin, but at a higher level, represents the tip of the nose. Occasionally the nasal bone cannot be seen at 11 weeks as it is too early in the pregnancy. If this is the case and this creates some concern then the scan can be repeated a week later. However if the nasal bone cannot be seen clearly but the nuchal translucency and blood tests are predicting a low risk result it is sometimes not necessary to see the nasal bone in every case. Baby Malchow #2...Coming in Late April 2012!