The nuchal fold scan

A nuchal translucency scan is one of the most well-known tests during pregnancy and is of great importance to many parents-to-be. In this blog post, you can read more about what a nuchal translucency scan is, why it is performed and what the results can mean.

Most people expecting twins or triplets don’t get the news of a multiple pregnancy until the nuchal translucency scan.
However, you may already know because you’ve either been through fertility treatment or had an early scan for another reason.

What is a nuchal fold scan?
A nuchal translucency scan is an ultrasound scan typically performed between weeks 11 and 13 of pregnancy. During the scan, the thickness of the foetal nuchal fold, which is a small collection of fluid under the skin in the neck, is measured. This measurement can give an indication of the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards’ syndrome (trisomy 18) and Patau’s syndrome (trisomy 13).

Why is a nuchal fold scan performed?
The purpose of a nuchal translucency scan is to assess the risk of the foetus having a chromosomal abnormality. It is important to emphasise that the scan cannot provide a definitive diagnosis, but only a risk assessment. If the scan shows an increased risk, additional tests will often be offered, such as a placental biopsy or amniocentesis, which can provide more precise answers.

How does the scan work?
The scan itself is painless and usually lasts around 20-30 minutes. The doctor or midwife places an ultrasound scanner on the pregnant woman’s abdomen and moves it around to get clear images of the foetus or foetuses. Based on the images, they measure the thickness of the neck fold. In addition to the neck fold thickness, the pregnant woman’s age and blood tests are also taken into account to calculate the overall risk.

What do the results mean?
The results of the nuchal translucency scan are often presented as a probability, for example 1:300 or 1:10,000. A low probability means that the risk of chromosomal abnormalities is low, while a high probability indicates an increased risk. If the risk is assessed to be higher than a certain threshold (often 1:300), you will typically be offered further tests.

Emotional considerations
For many parents, the wait for results can be filled with anxiety and uncertainty. It’s important to have an open dialogue with your partner and healthcare professionals about any concerns and considerations. Remember that the nuchal translucency scan is a tool to give you the best information about your baby’s development, but it can’t answer everything.

Final thoughts
A nuchal translucency scan is a valuable part of the pregnancy process that allows parents-to-be to gain insight into the health and development of their baby/children. While it can be an emotional experience, it’s also a chance to prepare for the future and make informed choices. If you are unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask your midwife or doctor for further advice and guidance.