Early Pregnancy Scans to Ensure a Healthy Start
we offer essential early pregnancy scans that help confirm and assess the health of your pregnancy in the first trimester. These include the Viability Scan and the Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan.
1. Viability Scan (6–8 weeks)
Confirming a Healthy Pregnancy
The viability scan is your first ultrasound — usually done between 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy.
This scan helps us:
- Confirm intrauterine pregnancy (rule out ectopic pregnancy)
- Check for foetal heartbeat
- Measure crown-rump length (CRL) to determine gestational age
- Confirm single or multiple pregnancies
- Detect any early concerns (like subchorionic bleed)
This scan provides reassurance and is an important step to make sure everything is progressing normally.
2. Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan (11–13.6 weeks)
Screening for Chromosomal Abnormalities
The NT scan is done between 11 weeks to 13 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. It is a non-invasive ultrasound that checks for early signs of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13.
During the NT scan, we measure:
- The nuchal translucency: a fluid-filled space behind the baby’s neck
- Baby’s nasal bone
- Baby’s heart rate and anatomy
- Helps identify certain structural anomalies early (e.g., heart or abdominal wall defects)
Combined with a blood test:
Often done along with a dual marker blood test, this is called First Trimester Combined Screening (FTS), which increases the accuracy of risk assessment.
What If the NT Scan Shows a High Risk?
- A higher-than-normal NT measurement does not mean your baby definitely has a problem — only that further testing may be recommended.
- We may advise non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) or diagnostic tests like chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, based on results and your preference
Why These Scans Are Important?
- Reassurance about your baby’s development
- Early detection of any complications
- Help with pregnancy planning and counselling
- Safe, non-invasive, and painless
You’re in Safe Hands
High-resolution ultrasound machines to ensure accurate and detailed scans. You’ll receive both technical information and compassionate care during every step of your pregnancy.