The nuchal translucency (NT) scan, or “12-week scan,” is an ultrasound performed in the first trimester between 11.5 weeks and 13 weeks, six days. This scan is combined with a blood test that looks at two specific hormones of pregnancy: the free-Beta hCG and PAPP-A (pregnancy associated plasma protein A).
What do they do at a 12 week scan?
It involves a blood test and measuring the fluid at the back of the babys neck (nuchal translucency) with an ultrasound scan. This is sometimes called a nuchal translucency scan. The nuchal translucency measurement can be taken during the dating scan.
This scan allows us to check how your baby is developing and in combination with a blood test allows us to check for any genetic concerns. This scan should be ideally performed between 12 weeks 5 days and 13 weeks 6 days of your pregnancy.
What does a baby look like at 12 weeks?
Your baby has ten fingers and ten toes (no more webbing), and peach-fuzz hair begins to grow on tender skin. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, move back into his abdominal cavity now. See what fraternal twins look like in the womb this week.
What can go wrong at 12 weeks pregnant?
From a medical point of view, at 12 weeks a pregnancy is generally considered to be safe. While a miscarriage (or later, stillbirth) can happen at any point during gestation, the odds are highest in the first trimester.