Is NT done by abdominal ultrasound or vaginal ultrasound?

What is NT? Some pregnant mothers may not know it well. The academic term is the nuchal translucency, which refers to the thickness of the fluid accumulation in the subcutaneous tissue behind the fetus' neck. Generally, the examination is done in the 11th week of pregnancy and in the middle of 14 weeks. It is considered the first major examination during pregnancy. It is of great significance for delivery. If the nuchal translucency thickens beyond the normal range, it indicates the possibility of Down syndrome or malformation. The thicker the nuchal translucency, the greater the chance. Further amniocentesis can be done for screening or special attention can be paid to screening for Down syndrome and malformation in the late stage. So, is the NT test a vaginal ultrasound or an abdominal ultrasound?

In theory, the NT test can be done by vaginal (transvaginal ultrasound) or abdominal ultrasound. However, because the vaginal method needs to be examined through the vagina, it is subject to many limitations. If there are problems such as recurrent miscarriage, loose cervix, placenta previa, etc., vaginal ultrasound should be avoided. Moreover, abdominal ultrasound is sufficient for NT testing. Therefore, abdominal ultrasound is still the preferred test in clinical practice.

Common problems with NT

You need to make an appointment before doing NT: generally it may be necessary to make an appointment 1-2 months in advance, so as not to miss the best on-site sampling. It will not grow well if it is too early, and it will not be clear if it is too late, which affects the accuracy. Reservation means that you can make a reservation on the same day. If there is a long queue, you still have to go to the hospital on the same day, so you should make it early.

No need to fast/hold urine: NT does not require fasting, you can queue up for inspection after a normal diet, and there is no need to deliberately hold urine.

The NT test may take a long time, usually 10-20 minutes, and it mainly depends on the baby's cooperation. Pregnant mothers also need to cooperate with the doctor's examination. If there is a fall, the doctor may tap hard/press the abdomen with the camera during the examination. Don't worry. It is mainly to make the baby in the belly move so that you can see it more clearly. If the baby really doesn't cooperate, the doctor will ask you to go out for a walk or eat something before going home. Believe in the doctor's operation.