12 Week Scan | First Trimester Nuchal Scan

12 Weeks of Pregnancy

Sometimes known as a Nuchal Scan, Nuchal Fold Scan, 12 Week Scan, Nuchal Translucency, NT Scan 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.

What does the Nuchal Scan do?
This scan is the first opportunity to reliably examine your baby.

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

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

How accurate is the Nuchal Scan?
With the Combined Blood Test and our Nasal Bone Accredited Sonographers (Celia, Claire, Jeanine & Olivia ) the accuracy is 95%.

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 recent article in The Guardian.

How does it 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 now able to give your blood sample locally in advance of your Nuchal Scan appointment.

For more information on how this innovative new system works please see our Combined Blood Test page.

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

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.  

What happens during a Nuchal Scan appointment?
During this appointment your 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.

Why should I have a 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.

What happens if I get a high risk result?
If you and your partner are not reassured by the final risk estimate you have the option of having either a CVS or an Amniocentesis at The London Ultrasound Centre to obtain a definite result.

How do I book?
For bookings information and prices please see our Prices page.

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