11-14 Week (Nuchal Translucency) Ultrasound Results

If you had a 11-14 week (nuchal translucency) ultrasound, you might be wondering what your results mean and possible next steps.

The ultrasound also looks at the baby's body parts, like the heart and the brain. Some major birth defects can be seen at this stage. A later ultrasound will take a more detailed look at how the baby is growing and developing.  

"Normal" NT measurement

If you were told your NT measurement is "normal" and your prenatal genetic screening results are "screen negative" or "low risk", it means there is a lower chance for your pregnancy to have certain conditions. It is important to know that no test can look at everything. A normal result does not guarantee a healthy baby.

"Increased" NT measurement

If you were told your NT measurement is "increased", it means there is a higher chance for the baby to have a genetic condition or another health issue, including: 

• A chromosome difference, such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome).
• Another genetic condition.
• A birth defect (like a heart defect, or a problem with the growth of the bones).  

The pocket of fluid will most likely disappear and will no longer be seen in future ultrasounds. It is also possible that the pocket of fluid will remain about the same or will increase even more. In some cases, there will be build-up of fluid seen in other parts of the body (such as lungs or under the skin). When this happens, it can be a life-threatening situation no matter what caused it. 

An "increased" NT measurement does not mean there is definitely a problem with how the baby is growing and developing. Many babies with "increased" measurements are born healthy.