What's the difference?

[LittleBabyJones]

Between a NT scan and regular ultrasound ?

[mommymachine]

To the best of my knowledge... an NT scan has to be preformed between 11 weeks and 13 weeks 6 days. It measured the fluid at the back of the babies neck. There is also blood work that needs to be done at the same time as the scan.

[LittleBabyJones]

Wow ok and I guess everyone doesn't have to get that? I have gotten plenty of ultrasounds but that's all

[atomic sagebrush]

They were probably doing it but you just weren't aware of it. It is the primary purpose of the ultrasound that they nearly always do at that stage of gestation.

[1+2+3boys]

I don't think they all do blood tests though. I don't think we can just ask for an amnio or something at that gestation for the sake of it in my Country unless you have health risks or the scan shows something abnormal looking

[Nahri]

An NT has to be performed before 13/6 weeks for the best accuracy. They measure the nuchal fold behind the babys neck and also look for the presence of a nasal bone. Lack of one is a big signal for Downs. They are done in combo with blood tests for the best accuracy or some people choose to do the scan and then only the blood work if there is a concern. It has to deal with the ratio of the fold in relation to the crown to rump length. Not every place does them due to older equipment that they cant get a clear enough picture and lots of other reasons. Youll know for certain if you had one done if you see these things on your scan pictures. Heres mine from DS. The hospital I am at now for this pregnancy is saying they will only do a confirmation scan which is scheduled for 9 weeks and then an anatomy scan at 20 weeks. If I find out that is true at my next appointment from the actual doctor and not the nurse I saw, I will be seeking maternity services elsewhere.
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[LittleBabyJones]

I definitely didn't have one done. Im having the anatomy scan at 18 weeks though. I go to a dr that is great but I feel like I should've known about this. I go every 3 weeks.

[atomic sagebrush]

Well, not all doctors do things the same and many docs feel this is unneccesary for anyone under 35ish anyway (and even over 35 because there are like99% false positives with the tests anyway) So please don't feel like you're getting subpar medical care, it may be that you're actually getting better care.

[Nahri]

We have family on both sides with the deficiencies that can be detected during an NT which is why I had my DS done and the hospital was totally on board. Up here in the new state nah you don't need that dont worry.