Nuchal translucency (NT) is a crucial ultrasound measurement performed during the first trimester of pregnancy (typically between weeks 11 and 14). This non-invasive prenatal screening assesses the fluid-filled space at the back of the fetal neck. An increased NT measurement can be an early indicator of potential chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, or other genetic syndromes and congenital heart defects.
OBGYN specialists utilize this ultrasound to calculate risk assessments, guiding further diagnostic testing if necessary. Accurate NT measurements require specialized training and high-resolution ultrasound equipment, making it a vital component of comprehensive prenatal care and early fetal anomaly detection in medical ultrasound.
