Do I still need to do Down syndrome screening if I pass NT?

Down syndrome screening is a necessary examination item in the prenatal checkup process. For many pregnant women, this examination is too familiar, and it is mainly to assess whether the fetus has syndrome problems, especially Down syndrome, the accuracy rate is also very high. After completing this examination, many people are not at ease. Is it really necessary for everyone to do Down syndrome screening? Regarding NT, can you introduce to everyone how efficient it is?

What does the NT test 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 detecting 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.