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What Is A Nuchal Fold Scan? Answered Comprehensively By Medically Led Dublin 2 Pregnancy Scan Clinic
What Is A Nuchal Fold Scan? Answered Comprehensively By Medically Led Dublin 2 Pregnancy Scan Clinic
The Dublin 2 medically led ultrasound pregnancy scan clinic, Merrion Fetal Health, answers the question What is a Nuchal Fold Scan.
Dublin,
Ireland,
Ireland
(pr4links.com)
29/03/2011
A Nuchal Fold Scan can be performed between 11 and 14 weeks and it screens for:
-Down’s Syndrome and other abnormalities (the measurement of the fluid at the back of the baby’s neck can be an indication of a fetal abnormality or syndrome)
-to confirm the presence of certain vital parts of the anatomy such as the baby’s skull, brain, nasal bone, spine, heart, stomach, abdominal wall, kidneys, bladder, arms & legs
Many people identify the nuchal fold scan/nuchal translucency test with being the test for Down’s Syndrome ( http://www.merrionfetalhealth.ie/nuchal-translucency-tests-dublin/ ), although as explained previously it does screen for lots of aspects of baby’s anatomy.
In addition to the nuchal fold scan itself, a blood sample is required to help identify any abnormalities. Normally, bloods are taken ten days prior to the Nuchal Translucency Scan and this makes the test more accurate than if either the blood sample or ultrasound were performed as a stand-alone means of testing.
Merrion Fetal Health has its own dedicated Phlebotomy Clinic on the ground floor, making the process of giving bloods less stressful than in many other clinics where it is necessary to go to an off-site Phlebotomy Clinic.
The Nuchal Fold Scan/Nuchal Translucency Scan costs €250, including blood tests, at the Dublin consultant led ultrasound clinic, Merrion Fetal Health.
First Trimester Screening (FTS)
All women, whatever their age, have a small risk of delivering a baby with a chromosomal abnormality.
Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) is the name given to a condition where a baby has an extra copy of Chromosone 21 in every cell. The extra chromosome causes physical differences, developmental delays and a tendency toward certain health problems. This condition is incurable, but testing during pregnancy gives parents the chance to prepare for the unique needs of a child with birth defects, as well as identifying any specific abnormalities that may require medical care after birth. First Trimester Screening (FTS) does not guarantee a normal baby. Therefore you should carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of screening test such as FTS compared with a diagnostic test such as CVS or amniocentesis.
The most accurate way of estimating the chances of your baby having a chromosomal problem is the first trimester screening test of the nuchal translucency measurement combined with a blood test. This test is carried out between 11 weeks and 13 + 6 weeks gestation. Nuchal Translucency screening is a non invasive test and poses no risk to you or your baby.
HOW IS THE RISK ASSESSED?
Each woman will be given an estimate of her individual risk for their pregnancy.
Your risk is assessed by taking into account the following:
-Age of the mother
-Amount of fluid behind the neck of the fetus (nuchal translucency).
Fetuses at risk of Down Syndrome tend to have a higher amount of fluid around the neck. Babies accumulate fluid at the back of their neck (nuchal) during the first trimester. As a result of this fluid, the baby’s nuchal fold increases in thickness each day of gestation until the fluid disappears around the 15th week. Researchers have established an average or “normal” thickness for each day during the three weeks you are eligible for the screening If your baby’s nuchal fold is thicker than average, he or she is considered at a higher risk for an abnormality; if it’s thinner, his or her risk is lower.
A more accurate risk assessment, combines the Nuchal Translucency scan with the results from two bloods tests that measure the levels of pregnancy associated plasma protein – A (PAPP-A) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in the mothers blood. Abnormal levels of these two pregnancy related substances may indicate a problem. Combining the scan and blood test gives a more accurate result than either the ultrasound part or the blood part of the test done on their own. You must be at least 10 weeks gestation or more for the blood sample to be taken.
The Nuchal Translucency scan cannot tell for certain if your baby has a chromosonal defect, however, it can help you decide whether or not the chance of your baby having a chromosonal problem is high enough to warrant having an invasive test such as CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) or Amniocentesis. However, these tests carry a slight chance of miscarriage and therefore options should be discussed with their healthcare professional. CVS is performed in the 13th week and amniocentesis around 15th or 16th week of pregnancy.
WHO PERFORMS THE NUCHAL TRANSLUCENCY SCAN?
The ultrasound portion of the Nuchal Transluceny test is done by a sonographer/obstetrician or radiographer who is trained for this specific screening.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A NUCHAL TRANLUCENCY SCAN?
There is very little preparation needed. You should have some fluid in the bladder but not be uncomfortably full. Drinking fluids prior to the examination will enlarge the bladder. The bladder is used as an acoustic window to improve the image quality and it also improves the position of the baby. It is a good idea to wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to your lower abdominal area.
HOW IS THE TEST PERFORMED?
The scan is performed by applying a warm gel over the patient’s lower abdominal area. A transducer (a smooth hand held device) is moved gently across the abdomen with a sliding and rotation action to scan the baby through the tummy. It can sometimes be difficult to accurately measure the Nuchal Translucency because of the position of the fetus. In this case the sonographer/radiographer will explain that a transvaginal ultrasound is needed and will request your permission to do so. A transvaginal ultrasound involves a small specially shaped transducer to be inserted into the vagina. Because the transducer is closer to the fetus it can provide clearer images.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A NUCHAL TRANSLUCENCY SCAN?
There are no known risks to performing trans-abdominal ultrasound which uses sound waves to obtain pictures or images. There is no radiation involved. Nuchal Translucency testing is non invasive and poses no risk to the fetus or similarly no risk to you or of miscarriage.
SHOULD I HAVE FIRST TRIMESTER SCREEENING?
Only you can decide whether or not to have FTS.
To book an Nuchal Fold Scan please call +353 (01)-663 5060, or use the Merrion Fetal Health Make a Booking online form. This scan is from 11 weeks to 14 weeks.
About Merrion Fetal Health
The clinic, Merrion Fetal Health, is a consultant led centre of excellence, with a team of highly experienced sonographers and clinic co-ordinators.
Merrion Fetal Health is also known as No. 60 at the National Maternity Hospital, located on 60 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2. The clinic offers ultrasound for all stages of pregnancy including early pregnancy scans, anatomy and growth scans, nuchal fold scans, as well as gynaecological and fertility scans being available on referral.
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About
Merrion Fetal Health looks set for success as it meets the increasing demand for prenatal ultrasound services from patients, doctors and midwives. To book or enquire about a please see the details below or visit the website. http://www.merrionfetalhealth.ie/
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