Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Nuchal translucency scan

8-minute read

Key facts

  • A nuchal translucency scan measures a fluid-filled space behind your baby’s neck.
  • This measurement can help your doctor estimate the chances of your baby being born with a genetic condition such as Down syndrome.
  • Having a nuchal translucency scan is optional.
  • This scan is done towards the end of the first trimester of pregnancy.

What is a nuchal translucency scan?

A nuchal translucency scan is an ultrasound scan that measures the thickness of the space behind your baby’s neck.

This measurement can help your doctor estimate the chance your baby has certain conditions such as Down syndrome. It is part of the combined first trimester screening test.

At the same time the sonographer can also:

  • perform a dating scan
  • find out if you are pregnant with twins
  • measure other physical structures of your unborn baby

Why might I decide to have a nuchal translucency scan?

There is a small chance that your baby can be born with a congenital anomaly (birth difference). Screening is offered to everyone during pregnancy.

The chances of conceiving a baby with a genetic disorder are greater the older you are . If you are aged over 35 years, or there are genetic conditions in your family, your doctor may recommend this scan.

Most nuchal translucency scans do not find any problems. But about 5 in every 100 women get a ‘high risk’ result from combined first trimester screening.

Do I have to have a nuchal translucency scan?

Pregnancy ultrasound scans are optional. During pregnancy, you, your doctor and midwife can decide together which antenatal tests you should have. You may decide not to have any screening tests.

You will be given information about each test so that you can make an informed decision.

When can a nuchal translucency scan be done?

A nuchal translucency scan can be done after 11 weeks and before 14 weeks of pregnancy.

Who performs a nuchal translucency scan?

A nuchal translucency scan is usually performed by a specially trained technician called a sonographer. The scan is performed in a radiology clinic, a specialist clinic or a hospital.

How is a nuchal translucency scan done?

A nuchal translucency scan is done using a handheld ultrasound wand. The wand may be placed on your abdomen (tummy) or in your vagina. Your sonographer will decide based on things like:

  • how far along your pregnancy is
  • the position of your baby
  • your body shape

The ultrasound wand or probe transmits ultrasound waves. The soundwaves are sent to your baby and back to the ultrasound machine to produce images or pictures on the screen.

Tummy ultrasound

If your scan is done through your abdomen you should not urinate (wee) before the scan. This makes it easier to see inside your uterus (womb).

The sonographer will apply some gel and gently move the handheld ultrasound wand across your abdomen. It doesn’t usually hurt.

Vaginal ultrasound

If your scan is done through your vagina, the sonographer will gently insert a small, lubricated ultrasound probe. The probe may be a little uncomfortable but isn’t usually painful.

Scans done this way can give clearer pictures because the probe is closer to your uterus. If a vaginal probe is needed, the sonographer will explain what is happening first.

How should I prepare for a nuchal translucency scan?

It’s a good idea to think carefully about why you are having a nuchal translucency scan. Consider what you would do next if your screening tests show that there is a high chance of your baby having a problem. Talk this over with your partner, a friend or family member.

On the day, drink a few glasses of water so that there is fluid in your bladder when you arrive. Wear loose clothes so that the sonographer can easily reach your abdomen.

If you are having the combined first trimester screening, you will also need a blood test.

Can a nuchal translucency scan harm my baby?

Ultrasounds do not harm you or your baby or increase your risk of miscarriage. No needles or radiation are used.

When will my nuchal translucency scan results be ready?

This scan usually takes about 30 minutes. Ask your doctor or sonographer when your results will be available.

The ultrasound clinic will send a full report to your doctor. The full results may take 7 to 10 days.

What do the nuchal translucency scan results mean?

Your nuchal translucency scan measurement is combined with a blood test to work out the ‘combined first-trimester screen’ result. The calculation also includes your age.

This is a screening test, so the results can’t tell you for sure whether your baby has a genetic condition. Results are usually reported as ‘low risk’ or ‘high risk’.

If you have a ‘low risk’ result, it means it is less likely that there is an abnormality present. If you have a ‘high risk result’ it means it is more likely that there is an abnormality present.

If your test returns a ‘high-risk’ result, your doctor can refer you for further testing. You may decide to have a diagnostic test, which can give you a definite result. You can also go for genetic counselling to help you understand the result.

Diagnostic tests for your baby include:

How much does a nuchal translucency scan cost?

In some cases, Medicare will cover the cost of your nuchal translucency scan. You may have to pay out-of-pocket costs, depending on where you go for the test.

Ask about the cost when you book your appointment.

Can my partner come along too?

Yes. You can bring your partner, family member or friend to your ultrasound appointments.

It can be good for someone else to listen to the information provided so that you can chat about it afterwards.

What are the alternatives to having a nuchal translucency scan?

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), also known as cell-free DNA testing (cfDNA), is another antenatal screening test for chromosomal abnormalities.

It is more accurate than a nuchal translucency scan or combined first trimester screening. NIPT is not currently funded by Medicare and can be expensive.

Talk with your doctor or midwife for advice about which antenatal screening method is right for you.

Questions for your doctor

Here are some questions you might want to ask your midwife or doctor:

  • Why are you offering me this test?
  • What does the procedure involve, do I need to do anything on the day?
  • When will I get the results?
  • Who will give me my results?
  • Do I need to do anything to care for myself after the procedure?

See some more questions to ask your doctor about tests and scans.

Resources and support

Your doctor, obstetrician or midwife can answer your questions and give you more information on antenatal screening tests.

A genetic counsellor can help guide you through the meaning of your results and any decisions you may need to make. The best way to find a genetic counsellor is to ask your doctor to refer you to one.

The Human Genetics Society of Australasia also has a Find a Genetic Counsellor service. It can help you find a registered counsellor nearby.

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: November 2023


Back To Top

Need more information?

Nuchal Translucency Scan - InsideRadiology

InsideRadiology provides free and easily accessible, accurate, up to date and credible information about medical imaging tests and procedures.

Read more on InsideRadiology website

Ultrasound scans during pregnancy

Ultrasound scans help monitor your baby's health throughout your pregnancy. Find out when and why you might have ultrasound scans during pregnancy.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Ultrasounds during pregnancy | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government

Ultrasounds use sound waves to create an image (picture) of your baby. They are used to look at your developing baby.

Read more on Queensland Health website

Checkups, scans and tests during pregnancy

Handy infographic that shows what you can expect and what you might be offered at each antenatal appointment during your pregnancy.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Dating scan

If you are pregnant you can have a dating scan. During a dating ultrasound, a sonographer measures your baby to work out your estimated due date.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

18-20 Week Screening Pregnancy Ultrasound - Consumers - InsideRadiology

An 18–20 week pregnancy screening ultrasound is part of the routine care during pregnancy. Screening is carried out at this stage in the pregnancy because the foetus

Read more on InsideRadiology website

Pregnancy at week 10

Think about the prenatal screening tests you might have, and whether you want a dating scan to confirm your due date.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Vaginal ultrasound

Find out when a vaginal ultrasound may be recommended during your pregnancy, how the test is done and the benefits and risks of this type of test.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Morphology scan

You will be offered a morphology scan at week 18 to 22 of pregnancy. Learn what a morphology scan can tell you and how this ultrasound test is done.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)

A non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) is a sensitive test to screen for Down syndrome and some other chromosomal disorders early in pregnancy.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.