Nuchal Translucency FAQs

A nuchal translucency ultrasound is very similar to a regular prenatal ultrasound. This safe and non-invasive procedure uses sound waves to produce an image of your baby. After you are positioned on the examination table, the technologist will apply some warm water-based gel to your abdomen and then move a handheld device called a transducer over the area to generate images of the fetus in real time.

The NT test uses ultrasound to measure the clear (translucent) space in the tissues at the back of your baby’s neck. Babies with abnormalities tend to accumulate more fluid at the back of their neck during the first trimester, causing this clear space to be larger than average.

The NT scan must be done between 11 and 14 weeks pregnancy. (The last day you can have it done is the day you turn 13 weeks and 6 days pregnant.)