The minute details of the NT scan
It’s the NT scan day, but are you still clouded with too many questions? How long does the NT scan take? Who will do it? The procedures to follow, etc, etc. Regardless of age, all pregnant women are offered a nuchal translucency test, and 19 out of 20 have a perfectly natural screening result. So, do not worry.
This blog post explains all your concerns in detail about the duration taken for the scan, how to prepare for it, and the procedures to follow.
Preparation for the NT scan
There isn’t much preparation needed for a nuchal translucency exam, but it is crucial to have a full bladder. 32 ounces of water should be consumed an hour before the exam, but avoid emptying your bladder. As soon as your ultrasound examination is finished, you will be able to urinate.
Who performs the NT scan?
A fetal medicine specialist or an expert sonographer will perform the examination and record the necessary ultrasound images. The Radiologist will examine these images and write a report for your Referrer.
How long does the NT scan take – the exact procedure
When you arrive for your scan, you will be asked to fill out a form with information about your pregnancy up to that point.
Your blood pressure will then be taken in both arms, and your height and weight will be measured if you are unsure. Sometimes your measurements are taken before and sometimes after your NT scan.
When you are brought to the scanning room, you will be asked to lie down on the table and expose your tummy. To limit the spread of the gel on your clothes, a towel will be tucked into your pants.
The fetal medicine specialist applies clear gel to your tummy and moves the probe over it to record images. Because the clear gel is water-soluble, it will not stain your clothes.
Ensuring your bladder is full, the fetal medicine specialist will start measuring your baby and examine your placenta and ovaries.
A vaginal scan may be performed on occasion to provide us with a better view of your baby. Our wall-mounted plasma screen monitors will allow you to view the entire scan!
The ultrasound waves are transmitted and collected by moving a hand-held probe over the abdomen. There will be no discomfort or pain.
Winding thoughts
To reiterate, this first-trimester screen won’t harm you or your baby. So be relaxed.
After the scan, the sonographer may probably ask you to wait in the ultrasound room while the radiologist or sonologist reviews the images.
The specialist may occasionally need to be present for the exam in order to perform additional scans or to view the images on the screen rather than just the still images that were captured during the scan.
On the contrary, if everything is fine, you will be asked to leave the room once the scan is finished. The fetal medicine specialist or on-site obstetrician will review all of your measurements, including your blood pressure and blood results.
The results will be given in your hand or sent to your referring doctor.
The day you consult your gynaec, you will be given your expected due date.
There are some modern scan centers that even capture your bundle of joy’s images in 3D or 4D dimensions to cherish your lifetime!
