NUCHAL TRANSLUCENCY ULTRASOUND – PRENATAL SCREENING THAT MOTHERS SHOULD NOT IGNORE

Nuchal translucency ultrasound is one of the important screening tests that all expectant mothers should have to help screening and detecting whether a fetus is at risk of Down syndrome or not. The Obstetrics and Gynecology at the American International Hospital (AIH) provides a variety of high-quality obstetric and gynecological care services with modern equipment, ultrasound machines and a team of well-experienced doctors in prenatal diagnosis and intervention, helping mothers perform the best care of pregnancy.
 
First of all, let’s learn about this method with AIH!
 
► WHAT IS NUCHAL TRANSLUCENCY MEASUREMENT?
 
Ultrasound for nuchal transluency measurement is a method to check for fluid retention in the fetal nuchal skin to assess whether a fetus is at risk of Down syndrome or not. In case of any abnormality visualized on nuchal translucency ultrasound, the mother will carry out a few other tests.
 
Some tests are indicated when there is abnormal nuchal translucency such as Double test, NIPT, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling,...
 
► WHICH WEEK SHOULD NUCHAL TRANSLUCENCY SCAN BE DONE?
 

Things to decide the accuracy of nuchal translucency ultrasound results are depended on the time and measurement technique, because measuring too soon or too late could give false results. The "golden time" for nuchal translucency measurement is usually indicated within the 11th to 13th weeks 6 days of pregnancy, which is the milestone to easily detect abnormalities in the fetal chromosome.
 
► HOW NORMAL IS NUCHAL TRANSLUCENCY?
 

 
► NOTES OF NUCHAL TRANSLUCENCY MEASUREMENT
 
In case of the high nuchal translucency index combined with other abnormalities, your doctor will recommend appropriate non-invasive screening tests such as Double test, NIPT, amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling… for the most accurate diagnosis.

There are still some cases of high-risk results, but after birth, the child remains healthy and develops normally. But this is only a small probability and mothers are absolutely not subjective, it is necessary to combine some additional tests as prescribed by the doctor to have the most accurate result.
 
In fact, many mothers notice that the fetus still develops normally on ultrasound. However, the neonate has abnormal manifestations after birth. The reason is the mother had skipped “the golden time” to have nuchal translucency measurement when fetal ultrasound is given.
 
► WHAT DO MOTHERS NEED TO DO WHEN THE FETUS IS DIAGNOSED WITH DOWN?
 
In the worst case, the results revealed that baby has Down syndrome, mother should stay calm, listen to the doctor advices to understand the current condition, then making decision.
 
At the American International Hospital (AIH), doctors and nutritionists will monitor and consult each case specifically so pregnant women have the most proper care plan for maternal and fetal health.  
AIH is the first hospital in Vietnam to adopt the American standard birth room model - LDRP, allowing women and families to experience delivery progress comfortably and conveniently in a single room for all 4 stages: Labor - Delivery (vaginal) - Recovery - Postpartum care.
 
In particular, the NICU at AIH is equipped with modern equipments which meet standard, together with a team of leading experts including doctors, neonatal nurses, physiotherapists, pediatric dietitians, timely support for births, ensure the safety and best care for babies once birthing.