First Trimester Screening at Paramaa Fertility & Women Care Centre
NT scan with Dual Marker test is an important screening test done in early pregnancy to check the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the baby. This test helps detect the possibility of conditions like Down syndrome, Trisomy 18, and other genetic problems at an early stage of pregnancy.
At Paramaa Fertility & Women Care Centre, NT scan and first trimester screening are performed with advanced ultrasound technology under the supervision of Dr. Paramita Hazari, ensuring accurate assessment and proper counselling for expecting parents.
Early screening helps in planning safe pregnancy care and making informed decisions.
What is NT Scan?
NT scan (Nuchal Translucency Scan) is an ultrasound done in the first trimester of pregnancy to measure the fluid behind the baby’s neck.
An increased NT thickness may indicate a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities or structural problems.
This scan is part of first trimester screening and is usually combined with a blood test called the Dual Marker test.
What is Dual Marker Test?
Dual Marker is a blood test done along with NT scan to check the levels of certain hormones in the mother’s blood.
This test helps calculate the risk of:
- Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
- Trisomy 18
- Trisomy 13
- Other chromosomal abnormalities
When NT scan and Dual Marker are done together, the accuracy of screening increases.
When is NT Scan done?
NT scan with Dual Marker is done between:
- 11 weeks to 13 weeks 6 days of pregnancy
This timing is very important because the scan must be done within this period for accurate results.
Doctor may advise this test for:
- All pregnant women
- Age above 30–35 years
- IVF pregnancy
- Previous abnormal pregnancy
- Family history of genetic disorder
- High-risk pregnancy
This test is recommended for most pregnancies as part of routine screening.
Why is NT Scan important?
NT scan helps detect problems early in pregnancy. It can help identify risk of:
- Down syndrome
- Chromosomal abnormalities
- Heart defects
- Structural abnormalities
- Genetic disorders
Early detection allows further testing if needed.
This test does not harm the baby and is completely safe.
What happens during the NT Scan?
The scan is done using ultrasound and is painless. The doctor checks:
- Baby’s size
- Nuchal translucency thickness
- Nasal bone
- Heartbeat
- Early anatomy
- Placenta position
Blood sample for Dual Marker test is taken on the same day or nearby date. Results are combined to calculate risk.
What if the report shows high risk?
If the screening shows increased risk, further tests may be advised, such as:
- NIPT (Non-invasive prenatal test)
- CVS test
- Amniocentesis
- Detailed anomaly scan
- Genetic counselling
High risk does not always mean the baby has a problem, but further evaluation may be needed.
Proper counselling is very important in such cases.
NT Scan in High-Risk Pregnancy & IVF Pregnancy
NT scan is especially important in:
- IVF pregnancy
- Age above 35
- Previous miscarriage
- Previous abnormal baby
- Twin pregnancy
- Family history of genetic disorder
- Diabetes / thyroid in pregnancy
Close monitoring helps ensure safer pregnancy.
Fetal Medicine Services at Paramaa
We provide advanced fetal medicine and pregnancy monitoring including:
- Early pregnancy viability scan
- NT scan with Dual Marker
- Targeted anomaly scan
- Fetal echocardiography
- Growth scan with Doppler
- Cervical length scan
- Twin pregnancy monitoring
- High-risk pregnancy care
All scans are done with careful evaluation and proper reporting.