Neck fold measurement (Nuchal Transluency, NT)

This relatively new indication of a hereditary disorder is checked during the ultrasound examination between the 11th and 14th week. The unborn child should be at least 38 millimeters long (crown-rump length). The examination requires experience, a good ultrasound machine and maximum magnification. At this stage of development, it is normal to see a thin fluid cushion in the neck (black stripe, thickness marked by a small red line). However, if the nuchal translucency (NT) is thicker than 3.5 millimeters (see right image), this indicates a problem with lymphatic drainage and is suspicious for a genetic disorder or malformation.