Talk about fetal NT thickening, increased intestinal echoes, and unexplored nasal bones

1. NT thickening

Fetal NT thickening refers to the thickness of the fetal nuchal translucency measured by ultrasound at 11-13 weeks + 6 days of pregnancy. If it is thickened, it indicates that the possibility of the fetus having chromosomal abnormalities or structural malformations increases. However, not all fetuses with thickened NT have problems . Some NT thickening is just a physiological manifestation, and there is no substantial malformation. Some NT thickening will return to normal as the gestational age increases. Therefore, if the fetal NT is found to be thickened, further tests such as non-invasive DNA, amniocentesis, or chorionic villus sampling are needed to determine whether the fetus has chromosomal abnormalities .

In short, a thickened fetal NT does not necessarily mean that the fetus cannot be kept, but it can only mean that the risk of fetal abnormality has increased. Further examination and evaluation is needed based on the specific situation and doctor's advice.

2. Increased intestinal echogenicity

It is a condition where the fetal intestines appear brighter than normal on ultrasound. It can be caused by various factors such as intra-amniotic bleeding, intestinal obstruction, cystic fibrosis, chromosomal abnormalities or infection. However, in many cases, echogenic intestinal tract is associated with a good prognosis.

3. The fetal nasal bone is not detected

A fetal nasal bone failure is when the nasal bone is not visible in the midsagittal section of the fetal profile. It is associated with an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities, particularly trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), but also trisomy 18, trisomy 13, sex chromosome abnormalities, and other rare aneuploidies. However, not all fetuses with a fetal nasal failure have chromosomal problems. Some have normal chromosomes and are able to develop normally.

Having said so much, I mainly want to emphasize that if the NT is thickened, if the intestinal echo is enhanced, and if the nasal bone is not detected, do not induce labor immediately. You need to do a serious chromosome test and then decide based on the situation. This is extremely important!!!