FIRST TRIMESTER ULTRASOUND :

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NUCHAL TRANSLUCENCY

Dr Claude Allouche, gynecologist First trimester us
Ahuza Clinic, Raanana
058 726 02 64

Nuchal translucency is a prenatal screening test that assesses the risk of birth defects in the fetus.
In this article, you will find all the essential information about this test and its importance in monitoring pregnancy.


WHAT IS NUCAL TRANSLUCENCY?

- Nuchal translucency, shkifout orpit in Hebrew (שקיפות עורפית), is an ultrasound examination performed between the 11th and 14th weeks of pregnancy (between 11 and 13 weeks +6 days).

- It consists of measuring the thickness of the translucent area located at the back of the fetus's neck.

- This measurement makes it possible to assess the risk of trisomy 21, 13 or 18 as well as other cardiac, pulmonary and genital malformations.

HOW IS THE TEST TAKEN?

- Nuchal translucency is a non-invasive test that poses no risk to the fetus.
- It is performed during an abdominal or vaginal ultrasound.
- The practitioner measures the thickness of the translucent area at the back of the fetus's neck.
- The measurement is then compared to a reference value based on gestational age.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE RESULTS?

- Nuchal translucency results are expressed in MoM (multiple of the median).
- A MoM equal to 1 means that the risk is equal to the median. A MoM greater than 1 indicates higher risk, while a MoM less than 1 indicates lower risk.

- Most often, it is advisable to combine this ultrasound examination with taking a blood test to measure certain hormones such as the free fraction of beta-HCG and PAPP-A.
- This test is called the 1st trimester serum screening for Down syndrome; in Hebrew seker biokhimi shlish rishon (‏סקר ביוכימי שליש ראשון)
- Then, an overall calculation of the risk of Down syndrome 21 is carried out, integrating the age of the patient, the result of this blood test and the measurement of nuchal translucency.

- If this integrated risk is considered high, additional tests may be offered, such as trophoblast biopsy or amniocentesis or even NIPT (Non Invasive Prenatal Test)

WHAT ADVANTAGES?

Nuchal translucency is an early screening test that helps identify pregnancies at risk of congenital malformations.
- This allows parents to make informed decisions about whether or not to continue the pregnancy. 

- In the event of high risk, early medical treatment can be put in place to guarantee the best possible health of the unborn baby.
- There is no risk in carrying out this examination, since it is a simple blood test taken from the mother-to-be.

WHAT DISADVANTAGES?

- Nuchal translucency is a screening test that is not 100% reliable.
- A positive result does not mean that the fetus has a congenital malformation.
- It simply indicates that there is a higher than average risk.
- This is why, in the event of high risk, additional examinations must be carried out to confirm or refute the diagnosis.

CONCLUSION :

- Nuchal translucency is an important test in pregnancy monitoring, because it helps detect pregnancies at risk of congenital malformations.

- However, it does not allow a definitive diagnosis to be made and must be supplemented by other examinations in the event of high risk.

- It is important to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of performing this test with your doctor.

#nuchal translucency #prenatal screening #down syndrome #baby health #prenatal health #pregnancy #pregnant woman #woman health #health #public health #prevention