12 Weeks of Pregnancy

What is the Nuchal Scan?

What does the Nuchal Scan do?

Missed your Nuchal Scan?

How accurate is the Nuchal Scan?

Why do I need a Blood Test?

Must I have the blood test with the Nuchal Scan?

How does the Nuchal Scan work?

Do you do the Nuchal Scan for twins?

Why is the Nuchal Scan important?

What happens during a Nuchal Scan appointment?

What happens if I get a high risk result?

Why should I have my Nuchal Scan at The London Ultrasound Centre?

How do I book a Nuchal Scan?

What is my next scan?

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What is the Nuchal Scan?
The Nuchal Scan is primarily a Screening for Downs Syndrome and is sometimes known as a First Trimester Scan, Nuchal Fold Scan, 12 Week Scan, Nuchal Translucency Scan, NT Scan, NT Plus or Down Syndrome Scan.

The scan can only be performed from 11 weeks and 3 days of pregnancy to 13 weeks and 6 days, with the most accurate time being around 12 weeks gestation.

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What does the Nuchal Scan do?
This scan is the first opportunity to reliably examine your baby as it is fully developed at around 12 weeks.

We also screen for Down Syndome, Edward's Syndrome and Patau Syndrome.

Anyone can give birth to baby with Down Syndrome, regardless of their previous history or age.

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Missed your Nuchal Scan?
Don't worry, you can still have a test for Down Syndrome with the Quadruple Test.

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How accurate is the Nuchal Scan?
With the Combined Blood Test and our Nasal Bone accredited team (Celia, Claire, Jeanine, Olivia, Dr Maxwell & Dr Kyle) the accuracy is 95%.

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Why do I need a Blood Test?
Adding the blood test to your ultrasound measurement and age related risk produces a more accurate risk calculation of your chances of having a baby with Down Syndrome.

For more information on the Combined test please read this article in The Guardian May 2009.

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Must I have the blood test with the Nuchal Scan?
No, not if you don't want to.

The blood sample taken in advance of your Nuchal Scan is to screen for Down, Edward's and Patau Syndromes. The screening is most accurate if the results of the blood test are analysed along with a scan at 11 to 14 weeks into your pregnancy.

However, some people will not want to have the screening, so there is no reason why they should not have a scan to date their pregnancy and check that all is well.

In this case we would simply perform an Early Pregnancy Scan.

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How does the Nuchal Scan work?
All our Nuchal Scans are performed using the Combined Test to screen for Down Syndrome that requires a blood test.

In a convenient and efficient service exclusive to The London Ultrasound Centre you are able to give your blood sample in advance of your Nuchal Scan appointment so that you get the complete answer on the day of your scan.

For more information on how our efficient system works please see our Combined Blood Test page.

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Do you do the Nuchal Scan for twins?
Yes. Our Fetal Database and Down's Risk Calculation software has been updated to produce results for multiple pregnancies.

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Why is the Nuchal Scan important?
The Nuchal Scan is important as it lays the foundation for the remainder of your pregnancy as well as screening for Down Syndome, Edward's Syndrome and Patau Syndrome.

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What happens during a Nuchal Scan appointment?
During this appointment our Sonographer or Consultant will:

• Counsel you about the nature and purpose of the scan and possible results
• Confirm the viability and number of babies using ultrasound
• 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
• Screening for Down Syndrome involves:
  • An accurate measurement of the thickness of the back of your baby’s neck (nuchal area or nuchal translucency)
  • The results of your advance blood test, where two pregnancy hormones have been analysed at the Fetal Medicine Centre
  • Your age, the length of the baby, the Nuchal Translucency measurement and the results of the blood test which are then entered into our Fetal Database and Down's Risk Calculation Software to provide the most accurate risk estimation. This is known as the Combined Test.
  • If you and your partner are not reassured by the final risk estimate you have the option of having either a Chorion Villus Sampling (CVS) or Amniocentesis at The London Ultrasoubd Centre to obtain a definite result.

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What happens if I get a high risk result?
Provided you have given your blood sample in advance of your Nuchal Scan appointment you will be able to discuss your options for further diagnostic testing with the Sonographer/Consultant.

If you and your partner are not reassured by the final risk estimate you have the option of having either a CVS immediately or an Amniocentesis at a later date at The London Ultrasound Centre to obtain a definite result.

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Why should I have my Nuchal Scan at The London Ultrasound Centre?
Having your Nuchal Scan at The London Ultrasound Centre ensures you will receive an accurate and reliable Down Syndrome screening with a complete answer at your appointment without waiting for blood test results.

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How do I book a Nuchal Scan?
For bookings information and cost please see our Prices page.

When booking an arrangement will be made to enable you to give a blood sample in advance of your appointment.

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What is my next scan?
The next scan you should expect in your pregnancy is the 20 Week Anomaly Scan.