First Trimester Nuchal Scan

All our First Trimester Nuchal Scans are performed using the Combined Test to screen for Down Syndrome that includes the blood test.

This scan lays the foundation for the remainder of your pregnancy.

It is the first opportunity to reliably examine your baby.

During this appointment our specialist will:

Counsel you about the nature and purpose of the scan and possible results
Confirm the viability and number of babies
Take measurements of your baby’s size. The length of your baby grows rapidly in early pregnancy and these measurements are used to accurately date the pregnancy
The first survey of your baby’s anatomy will be performed
If screening for Downs Syndrome is performed
- An accurate measurement of the thickness of the back of your baby’s neck (nuchal area or nuchal translucency) will be made
- A blood sample is taken from the mother and sent to the Fetal Medicine Centre where two pregnancy hormones are measured
- Your age, the length of the baby, the Nuchal Translucency measurement plus the results of the blood test are then entered into a computer program to provide the most accurate estimation of the chance of the baby having Down Syndrome. This is known as the Combined Test.
- Once the result is available, we will telephone you to discuss the results
- Providing you are scanned and your blood is taken by 3pm we are normally able to give you the results the same day, otherwise we will telephone you the following day as soon as the results are available
- If you and your partner consider the final risk estimate is too high you have the option of Chorion Villus sampling or an Amniocentesis to obtain a definite answer.

For bookings information and prices please see our Appointments page.