If you feel anxious about having an NT scan, you have a lot of company. Lots of people get nervous about scans in general, and there is certainly nothing scary about this one in particular. If you wanna know how to prepare for your NT scan, then you have come to the right place.
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What does an NT Scan involve?
NT scans are a way of checking to see if your unborn baby is healthy. This scan also looks for signs and symptoms of chromosomal abnormalities, down syndrome, and other complications. This gives the doctors and parents a clear picture on how to move forward.
How to prepare for your NT Scan?
You don’t need to do much to prepare for this ultrasound. Just make sure you have some fluid in your bladder but don’t overdo it – you should still be comfortable. This will help ensure that the ultrasound images of your abdominal area are clear.
The radiology facility where you’re having the ultrasound will likely provide more specific instructions on this. It’s also a good idea to wear clothes that won’t get in the way and give easy access to your lower abdomen.
To assess combined risk factors, your doctor will ask you for a blood test along with the scan as part of the complete screening process.
What if my baby is not in position?
If the first attempt at measuring the NT fails, most ultrasound practitioners will ask the woman to change her position, empty her bladder, take a short walk, or return to the scanning couch for a second attempt. Sometimes, even after this second attempt, it is not possible to accurately measure the NT.
What if I miss the NT scan?
When this happens, the only thing you can do is wait and go into the second-trimester quadruple test. The optimum time for the second-trimester test is around 16 weeks, but it can be taken between 14 weeks plus 2 days and 20 weeks plus zero days in pregnancy.
How long does an NT scan procedure take?
It usually takes around 30 minutes. You may be asked to wait in the room after the scan so the images can be checked by a radiologist or sonologist. In some cases, it may be necessary for the specialist to attend the examination and carry out additional scans, or look at the images on a monitor instead of just the still pictures taken during the scan.
Which is the best week for NT Scan?
It‘s important to have this scan between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy because this is when the base of your baby’s neck is still transparent. The last day you can have the scan is the day you turn 13 weeks and 6 days pregnant.
The Takeaway
An NT scan is a simple procedure that can help assess the likelihood that your baby has a congenital or genetic condition. If you receive an abnormal result, additional testing will be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your test results and what they recommend next. You may also want to speak with a genetic counselor to learn more about your options and the risks and benefits of further testing.
Chennai Women’s Clinic is now Jammi Scans