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With the age of a woman being a major factor when it comes to the risk of downs syndrome, and the fact that more and more women are choosing to leave having a baby while later on in life, there is no wonder that nuchal scanning is becoming ever more popular in hospitals such as hospital portal. A nuchal scan is an ultrasound procedure, so is not thought to be harmful to the baby.
The older you are when you are pregnant, the higher the risk of downs syndrome. The scan itself can only be performed with a certain number of weeks, and is usually done between 11 and 13 weeks. When booking the scan you are asked to be really accurate with your dates, if you are under 11 weeks plus six days when you come for the scan then the radiologist will ask you to come back when you are at the right number of weeks. As long as you are between 11 and 13 +6 days then you will be eligible for the scan, there is no better time within this time frame to have the scan, the results will be the same.

· The consultant will measure a collection of fluid which is located under the skin folds at the back of the baby’s neck, he will then combine the risk factor by using a specialised programme. If the risk is high then the consultant will offer additional testing in the form of an amniocentesis or a CVS scan, but will advise that these are more invasive, so do carry a risk of miscarriage.

It is worth considering that even if you do have a high reading on the nuchal scan, that you may go on to have a normal healthy baby.

Always pick out a consultant who comes highly recommended if you are considering having a scan such as this. It is important that you are prepared and should take along your partner, usually the consultant will recommend that someone be present with you when the scan takes place anyway.