What is a nuchal translucency scan?
A first-trimester ultrasound performed between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy that measures the thickness of fluid (translucency) at the back of the fetal neck to screen for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome.
A nuchal translucency scan is an ultrasound examination done in the first trimester, typically between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy, to measure a pocket of fluid at the back of the fetal neck. This measurement, combined with maternal age and blood test results, helps clinicians assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities including Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13).
During the scan, an ultrasound technician positions the probe to obtain a precise sagittal (side-view) image of the fetus and measures the space between the skin and the cervical spine. An increased thickness may raise the statistical risk, though it does not diagnose a condition on its own. Results are typically reported as a risk ratio rather than a definitive diagnosis.
The timing of 11-13 weeks is important because the nuchal fluid is most reliably visible during this narrow window. When combined with first-trimester biochemical markers (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A and human chorionic gonadotropin), this scan forms part of the first-trimester combined screening. Many pregnancy care centers across Kuala Lumpur offer this as a routine screening option, often followed by further testing such as amniocentesis or non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) if results indicate elevated risk. Prospective parents should discuss results and next steps with their healthcare provider.