When you are pregnant, there will come a time when you are offered a nuchal translucency scan. This scan, which usually takes place between week 11+0 and 13+6, is part of the risk assessment used to evaluate the likelihood that your baby may have certain chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Patau syndrome (trisomy 13), and Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18). For most people, the nuchal translucency scan is an exciting milestone in pregnancy and an opportunity to gain more insight into the well-being of their baby.
Many expectant parents look forward to the scan, as it is often the first time they get a glimpse of their baby. It can be a very emotional and beautiful moment when you see your child on the screen for the first time. However, it is also important to remember that the scan has a more serious purpose. It is designed to help doctors detect potential chromosomal abnormalities, allowing parents to make informed decisions about their pregnancy. Unfortunately, this means that for some, the scan may bring results that do not offer the joy and reassurance they had hoped for when they walked in full of anticipation. Naturally, this can lead to new concerns. For others (and fortunately the majority), the scan provides the reassurance they need to relax a little more during pregnancy.
Deciding whether to undergo the nuchal translucency scan (and the accompanying double test in week 8) can be difficult, especially if you have already decided to continue your pregnancy regardless of the results. For some, it does not make sense to expose themselves to the potential stress of a follow-up biopsy if they are already committed to carrying the pregnancy to term. It is essential to remember that all parents should have the opportunity to make the choice that feels right for them.
When you are offered a nuchal translucency scan, it is important that it is presented as a choice, and that you receive the right information to make a well-informed decision that aligns with your own wishes and needs. It is something you should consider carefully, and it is completely okay to say yes or no, depending on what you feel is best for you and your baby.
