Nuchal translucency scan

A nuchal translucency scan is the first of the 2 scans you will have. pregnant is offered in the public sector. It is also called the 12-week scan or 1st trimester scan.

The two elements of the examination: Blood test and nuchal translucency scan

The examination actually consists of 2 elements: A blood test that you have taken by your doctor after week 8 of pregnancy and before the scan itself - often in connection with the creation of pregnancy papers. The result from the blood test must be compared with the scan result. The nuchal translucency scan itself takes place between week 11+2 of pregnancy to 13+6 calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period.

What is checked for during a nuchal translucency scan?

The nuchal translucency scan checks whether the baby's heart is beating, how many babies are in your womb and the risk or likelihood that the baby has Down syndrome. The likelihood that the baby has Down syndrome depends on your age, among other things. The older the pregnant woman is, the greater the likelihood. By measuring the baby's nuchal translucency and comparing it with the blood test result, your age and how far along you are in the pregnancy, the midwife or nurse performing the scan calculates a probability, which you will be given the answer to immediately. If it is very low, no further action will be taken. If it is high, you will be recommended a placental biopsy. It is important to remember that the nuchal translucency scan is a risk calculation. This means that it says something about the risk and not about whether your child hair Down syndrome.

The likelihood of Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities

If the calculation shows an increased probability of Down syndrome, then there is also an increased risk of other chromosomal abnormalities. These can also be confirmed or ruled out by a placental biopsy.

Expectations and experiences during the nuchal translucency scan

Many pregnant women and their partners think that the nuchal translucency scan is about coming in and hearing the baby's heartbeat. Which is definitely a big part of the scan – especially for you.

This also means that many people are surprised and a little nervous when the sonographer – the one who does the scan – starts talking about risk assessment and the like. It is therefore good to remind ourselves and each other that it is a risk assessment scan that the public sector offers – therefore it is also the professional angle of the scan.

That said, the set designers are good at supporting the good experience of hearing the baby's heartbeat - perhaps for the first time. It is also great to see the baby on the scan image. Often you will be able to see the baby moving around. Maybe the baby is sucking on a thumb, kicking or has a bladder full of urine. It is completely normal to be touched, shed a tear, become completely silent, perhaps shocked, for example if, contrary to expectations, there are 2 or more babies. And it is often also at the nuchal fold scan that the partner first really realizes that a real baby is on the way. As a partner, the many physical, hormonal and emotional changes are not felt directly. And the baby is still too small for you as a partner to feel the kicks through the skin of the abdomen.

The emotional significance of a nuchal translucency scan

In other words, the nuchal translucency scan is a great experience for many. And for some, a difficult and tough experience. Some will be told that their baby's heart is not beating, others will be told that there is an increased risk of chromosomal defects. If this happens to you, reach out. Talk to family, friends and professionals. Ask your questions, share your thoughts and feelings. Give space for reactions - no feelings are wrong. And remember that if there are chromosomal errors, it does not mean that you bowl have an abortion. It's your child. You choose. And yes, the choice can be difficult. Talk to the doctors, talk to a private midwife like me, contact the Down's Association https://down.dk/ and possibly talk to parents of children and teens with Down syndrome.

What if the scan gives bad news?

And if the terrible thing happens that your child is dead, then there is also a process to go through. First a miscarriage-birth, then a wide range of emotions and a number of practicalities. Here it is also important to reach out for support. And it is especially important not to dwell on what happened, on the emotions or on the traces that losing a child inevitably leaves - even if it is early in the pregnancy. You went in for the scan with the expectation of seeing a living child. You brought with you a long series of dreams, expectations and emotions, because parenthood does not start when the baby lands in your arms. It starts - especially for women - the day there is a positive pregnancy test. Many women and some men already feel like parents.

So, dear, the nuchal translucency scan is It's a big event and is much more than just hearing your baby's heartbeat. With that said, I wish you all the best.