NT check, what is NT check? I'm sure pregnant mothers also have this doubt. I know about Down syndrome screening, but I'm relatively unfamiliar with NT testing. NT examination is one of the prenatal examination items that can indirectly diagnose fetal abnormalities. So what exactly is the NT check? Why do we need to perform NT checks? Today, the editor will explain the knowledge of NT inspection to everyone, hoping to be helpful.
What is fetal NT examination
NT stands for nuchal translucency, which refers to the thickness of fluid accumulation in the subcutaneous tissue behind the fetal neck. Reflected in ultrasound images, it is the maximum thickness of the anechoic layer measured on the horizontal sagittal plane of the fetal cervical spine between the skin behind the neck and the subcutaneous soft tissue.
NT examination is performed between 10-14 weeks of pregnancy, mainly to screen babies with Down syndrome. This screening is mainly done through ultrasound scanning, usually on your stomach with B-ultrasound, but it also depends on the position of the baby and uterus. If necessary, vaginal B-ultrasound can be used to see more clearly. However, vaginal ultrasound poses no risk or discomfort to both you and the baby.
The necessity of fetal NT examination
NT examination is an ultrasound screening program during early pregnancy, which can be called a screening for small abnormalities. Thickness can indirectly evaluate the possibility of fetal abnormalities, and the thicker the nuchal translucency, the higher the probability of fetal abnormalities. It is necessary to perform a nuchal translucency (NT) test during pregnancy, as it is the first step in ruling out fetal abnormalities.
From the above explanation, we know that NT examination is used to understand fetal health, and early screening of fetal health can be conducted. If there are abnormalities in the NT examination of a pregnant mother, don't panic, because abnormal NT examination does not necessarily indicate the health of the fetus or determine that the fetus is a Down syndrome child. However, the probability is high, and it is still necessary to cooperate with the doctor's examination. Generally, babies are fine.
