What Is It? Nuchal Translucency Screening Test

on February 9, 2009 at 4:10 PM

nuchal translucency sceening test As you've probably noted by now if you drop by here with any degree of frequency whatsoever, I was "nervous pregnant chick" -- always worried that something was wrong with my baby. Naturally, I took every test offered to me to try to reassure myself that everything would be OK, including the nuchal translucency.

In case you find yourself being offered this screening test, here's the lowdown on what it is.

There are two types of tests that check for birth defects -- screening tests and diagnostic tests.

Screening tests see what the likelihood is that a baby will have a certain defect. If your result is "positive," your doctor may order additional testing -- or a diagnostic test. If the result is "negative," it's unlikely that your baby will have the defect, but it's not a guarantee.

Diagnostic tests determine for certain whether or not a baby has a defect.

The nuchal translucency (NT) test is a fairly common first trimester screening test that looks for abnormalities that might indicate Down Syndrome or other conditions. An ultrasound is used to measure the thickness of the area at the back of the baby's neck. An increase in the thickness can point to a potential defect. You may also be offered a blood test for the doctor to look at in combination with the NT test results.

The NT test is common, but not offered everywhere -- ask your doctor about it and any other first trimester screening tests he may perform.

Are you in your first trimester? Have you had any screening tests done yet?

Filed Under: 1st trimester, pregnancy health, tests & procedures

Comments (7)

snailteacher

on Feb 9, 2009 at 5:21 PM

I went for a nuchal scan as I am 35 the dr. recommended that I go! I was one day too late for the test to be accurate.

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amw529

on Feb 9, 2009 at 6:08 PM

I didn't get it - I'm 37 with my first child - for us, we weren't going to not have the child anyway, so it didn't matter. I did have the quad screening test in my 4th month.

SanDiegoMaxMom

on Feb 9, 2009 at 7:55 PM

There's all this pressure to test, test, test, with the implication that the worst thing that could happen to you would be to have an imperfect child. Think about WHY you're testing. I can tell you that I did have an imperfect child and he's the BEST thing that's ever happened to me.

jeni0323

on Feb 9, 2009 at 7:57 PM

I had it at 11 weeks 3 days. It is a rather long ultrasound. The baby has to be in a certain position for the measurements to be taken. And then you go right to the lab for some blood tests.

Josie395

on Feb 9, 2009 at 8:51 PM

Did not have any tests. I was 35 and first pregnancy, I was going to have this baby no matter what. There is no such thing as a perfect child. All ultrasounds looked perfect but my son who is two now was diagnosed with Down Syndrome four days after I gave birth. I'm glad I didn't do testing as this is very stressful to a mom while pregnant. Remember our moms and grandparents never had tests available. The tests can still be wrong even aminos can come back wrong. I love my child so much!!