An NT is a special type of ultrasound using a very sensitive but safe machine. A sonographer will apply a transducer (wand) to the outside of your stomach to measure your baby from crown to rump and check that the fetal age is accurate. Then he or she will locate the nuchal fold and measure its thickness on the screen.

Is NT scan painful?

You should not feel pain during the procedure. You may feel minor discomfort when the doctor or ultrasound technician presses into your belly. This feeling generally passes quickly. If you are having a blood test as part of the first trimester screening, you may feel a slight pinch from the needle.

How long does NT scan take?

No special preparation is required for an NT scan. In most cases, testing is completed in about 30 minutes. During the scan, you'll lie down on an exam table as the technician moves an ultrasound wand over your stomach.