Nuchal Translucency
This first trimester ultrasound screening obtains specialized measurements of the fetus to confirm dating and allows for an assessment of risk of birth defect. Nuchal Translucency measurement can only be performed between 11 weeks and 13 weeks, 6 days gestational age.
The first trimester scan is an important test that shows that your baby is growing and developing normally. This is not the first photo of the baby, or to determine the gender. Parents, however, do look forward to the first scan because it gives them the first glimpse of their baby.
Screening tests can help assess the risk of a birth defect. Talk to your healthcare provider about which screening test is right for you.
Screening tests help you prepare...
Almost all children in the United States are born healthy. Out of 100 newborns, only two or three have major birth defects. A birth defect is a physical problem that is present at birth. It also is called a congenital disorder or malformation. For about 70% of babies born with birth defects, the cause is not known. In other cases, birth defects are inherited through genes or chromosomes or caused by the mother being exposed to harmful agents or medications.
Birth defects are caused by an error in the way the baby develops. A birth defect may affect how the body looks, works, or both. Many birth defects are mild, but some can be severe. Babies with birth defects may need surgery or medical treatment. Some can be found before birth with special screening tests. Others appear at birth or later in a person’s life. Some of the most common birth defects found through screening tests include:
- Neural tube defect: Incomplete closure of the fetal spine that can result in spina bifida or anencephaly.
- Abdominal wall defects: One type of defect occurs when the muscle and skin that cover the wall of the abdomen are missing and the bowel sticks out through a hole in the abdominal wall (gastroschisis). Another type is when the tissue around the umbilical cord is weak and allows organs to protrude into this area (omphalocele).
- Heart defect: The chambers or pathways through the heart are not properly developed.
- Down syndrome: Mental retardation, abnormal features of the face, and medical problems such as heart defects occur as a result of an extra chromosome 21 (trisomy 21).
- Trisomy 18: There is an extra chromo some 18, which causes severe mental
retardation and birth defects and sometimes death.
For more information you may also visit: ACOG.org
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