Calm yourself – the NT scan is simple and easy
It’s the date of the ultrasound on your calendar today and do you lack information about the NT scan preparation? Not to worry. All pregnant women should have access to this first-trimester screening nuchal scan, will be quite anxious about the procedure involved in it and how to handle it. This post is all about the NT scan preparation, what to expect from it, and how the test goes in detail.
What to expect from your NT scan?
A very sensitive but secure ultrasound device is used for an NT scan. It is a special kind of ultrasound and a fetal medicine specialist from a trustworthy ultrasound scan center and clinic with training and expertise performs the NT scan using ultrasound. This is an absolutely painless test that uses high-frequency sound waves to view the body.
He or she will use a transducer (wand) to apply pressure to the outside of your stomach and measure your unborn child from head to rump to determine fetal age.
The nuchal fold will then be located, and its thickness will be recorded on the screen.
The technologist will apply a clear gel to your abdomen and then move a transducer, a tool in the shape of a microphone, over the gel until the baby is in the right position. When the tissue at the back of your baby’s neck is clear (translucent), the technologist measures it.
This clear space is typically larger in babies with chromosomal abnormalities because they tend to accumulate more fluid at the back of the neck during the first trimester.
These data, along with your age and the gestational age of the unborn child, will be used to calculate the likelihood of a chromosomal abnormality. This number can help you decide whether you want to undergo diagnostic testing even though it cannot provide you with a conclusive diagnosis.
NT scan preparation and how is it done?
There is minimal preparation required for the NT scan.
- You will be asked to arrive with a full bladder to ensure clear images. This is accomplished by emptying your bladder 2 hours before your appointment and then drinking 600ml of water right away. Before the procedure, do not empty your bladder again.
- If your bladder must be completely full for the test, let your doctor or the ultrasound technician know if this causes you any discomfort. That is rightly the time for scanning.
- Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your lower abdominal area. Some scan centers offer you an easy-to-wear gown to wear for ultrasound scanning.
- Bring your doctor’s referral if you are referred by someone to your appointment.
- It is also critical to bring all previous pregnancy imaging and reports with you.
- Arrive on time for your appointment to allow enough time to complete the procedure.
- You may eat prior to your ultrasound. That is not going to hamper your ultrasound screening in any way.
- You will lie on your back or side on an examination table for an abdominal ultrasound.
- A gel will be spread on your belly. When the gel is first applied to your belly for an abdominal ultrasound, it may feel cool. As the transducer passes over your belly, you will feel a light pressure.
- A transducer, a small hand-held device, mentioned above will be pressed against the gel on your skin and moved over your belly. A monitor displays images of the baby. The technologist or doctor will look for and measure the thickness of fluid buildup in the baby’s neck.
- When the test is finished, the gel is wiped away from your skin. You are free to urinate as soon as the test is completed.
- A small transducer will be inserted into your vagina for a transvaginal ultrasound. When the transducer is in your vagina for a transvaginal ultrasound, you may feel some pressure.
- The test usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
- You may feel pressure in your bladder during a nuchal translucency test.
- A nuchal translucency test poses no known risks to either you or the baby. However, you may be concerned if the test indicates that your baby is at risk of having a problem.
- Ultrasound is a secure way to detect problems and learn about your developing baby. It does not employ X-rays or other kinds of radiation that could harm the baby.
- After the screening, it is possible that you will not receive information about the test right away. Full results are usually available in one or two days.
The bottom line – getting the test done from an expert clinic
At Jammi Scans, we have an expert fetal medicine specialist performing ultrasounds who is adept at capturing your little one’s images as it is.
Our welcoming and comfortable imaging facilities, which also have a helpful and knowledgeable staff, offer the most modern medical imaging technology.
Contact us for prior appointments to reduce waiting times.
Chennai Women’s Clinic is now Jammi Scans
