What does B-ultrasound NT check

B-ultrasound examination is a new emerging method in the 1990s. It is a high-tech examination method. Later, there is color ultrasound examination, which is more in-depth than B-ultrasound examination. B-ultrasound examination uses electronic technology to scan parts of the human body, and then the affected parts inside the human body will be clearly reflected on the computer. Doctors will be able to judge the patient's physical condition more easily, which is very helpful for treating diseases. So what does B-ultrasound NT check?

1. Fetuses with Down syndrome will have subcutaneous water accumulation, so the skin behind the neck will be thicker. If NT detects that the thickness of the fetal neck skin exceeds the standard value, it may be related to fetal chromosomal karyotype abnormalities and other structural malformations. The thicker the NT, the greater the probability of fetal structural abnormalities and chromosomal abnormalities.

2. In addition to the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, thickening of the fetal nuchal translucency is also related to congenital heart disease

If the NT test result exceeds the standard value range, pregnant women are advised to undergo follow-up fetal abnormality screening to further confirm the risk of fetal abnormalities so that timely countermeasures can be taken.

This screening is mainly done through ultrasound scanning, usually on the pregnant mother's belly, but the position of the baby and uterus must also be checked. If necessary, vaginal ultrasound should be performed so that a clearer view can be obtained.

In order to accurately determine the pregnancy period, the ultrasound doctor will measure the baby's head-to-hip length and the width of the nuchal translucency. Under B-ultrasound, the baby's skin looks like a white line, while the fluid under the skin looks black. At this stage, your baby can see clearly, and you can see his head, spine, limbs, hands and feet. Although some major malformations may be ruled out during this B-ultrasound, it is still recommended that pregnant mothers have a detailed B-ultrasound at 20 weeks.

The purpose of fetal NT examination is to diagnose chromosomal diseases and detect fetal abnormalities caused by various reasons at an early stage of pregnancy. So, how should we interpret the NT test results?

Experts say that during the 11th to 14th week of pregnancy, if the fetus has Down syndrome or has poor heart development, the nuchal translucency will thicken. Thickening of the nuchal translucency is related to fetal chromosome karyotype, fetal congenital heart disease and other structural malformations. The thicker the nuchal translucency, the greater the probability of fetal abnormalities.

Of course, as a preliminary screening method, the NT test can only assess the risk of your baby having Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. It cannot accurately determine whether your baby is infected with the disease, but it can help pregnant mothers decide whether they need to undergo further diagnostic testing, such as amniocentesis.

Generally, when you do an NT test in a hospital, you can know the results immediately. In the examination result report, you can see the thickness of your baby's nuchal translucency. A final measurement value of less than 3 mm is normal. If it exceeds 3 mm, further examination such as amniocentesis should be considered.

If the nuchal translucency is thick, it does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with your baby. Some normal babies also have more fluid. When it exceeds 3 cm, the thicker the nuchal translucency, the higher the baby's risk of disease.

According to relevant statistics, the detection rate of Down syndrome can reach over 85% when the NT examination is combined with maternal age screening and maternal blood screening, which is much higher than maternal blood screening alone (60%).