HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Should Be Normal Nuchal Fold Measurement In Pregnancy?

default
Posted on Fri, 6 Jun 2014
Question: I am 18 weeks pregnant with twins...had an ultrasound today...baby A has choroid cysts on brain...nuchal fold measurements are 3.6 MM.....are these markers for Downs syndrome....can you tell me what is considered the normal range for nuchal fold at this stage of pregnancy.......please help
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
FOLLOW THE ADVICE.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us. Followings are my comments:

1) Average Nuchal fold measurement is 2 to 2.5 mm with NORMAL chromosomal pattern.

2) Choroid plexus cyst and thickened Nuchal fold (3.6 mm) are MOSTLY seen among Down Syndrome babies. It is the MOST common chromosomal disorder (Trisomy 21) and the risk rises with advanced maternal age - 1 in 100 at 40 years of age.

Here, I suggest you to undergo QUADRUPLE test at the earliest to predict risk of Down Syndrome. If you get any abnormal test result, then AMNIOCENTESIS will be worthwhile to detect and confirm possible chromosomal abnormality. After that, proper decision can be taken and you must consult with OBSTETRICIAN.

Hope, it helps for your information. Kindly, close the discussion if you don't have any other query.

Wish your good health and take care yourself.

Regards,
Dr Soumen

For future query, you can directly approach me through

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=63326
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (3 minutes later)


Is 2.0 to 2.5 what the nuchal fold should measure at 18 weeks? I had the nuchal translucency test at 12.5 weeks and it was normal at 1.48MM

I am carrying twins so I was advised not to have the quad screen. I had the Harmony test today, have been told that it is as accurate as amnio, do you agree?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
YOU CAN DO HARMONY TEST FOR ACCURATE RESULT.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for follow up query.

1) It is seen that average Nuchal Fold measurement of 2-2.5 mm is present with NORMAL chromosomal pattern. Lower than 2 mm is quite GOOD and NORMAL.

However, 3.6 mm Nuchal Fold thickness is slightly HIGHER than NORMAL at this stage of pregnancy and chromosomal abnormality (for Down Syndrome) should be ruled out.

2) HARMONY PRENATAL DNA testing is quite improved NEWER NON-INVASIVE modality to rule out common chromosomal abnormality and it gives ACCURATE result as like as AMNIOCENTESIS (Invasive one). You can go for HARMONY test for confirmation as per your doctor's advice.

Hope, I have answered your query. Kindly, close the discussion.

Good luck and all the best.

Regards,
Dr Soumen
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra

OB & GYN Specialist

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 4058 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Should Be Normal Nuchal Fold Measurement In Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: FOLLOW THE ADVICE. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for writing to us. Followings are my comments: 1) Average Nuchal fold measurement is 2 to 2.5 mm with NORMAL chromosomal pattern. 2) Choroid plexus cyst and thickened Nuchal fold (3.6 mm) are MOSTLY seen among Down Syndrome babies. It is the MOST common chromosomal disorder (Trisomy 21) and the risk rises with advanced maternal age - 1 in 100 at 40 years of age. Here, I suggest you to undergo QUADRUPLE test at the earliest to predict risk of Down Syndrome. If you get any abnormal test result, then AMNIOCENTESIS will be worthwhile to detect and confirm possible chromosomal abnormality. After that, proper decision can be taken and you must consult with OBSTETRICIAN. Hope, it helps for your information. Kindly, close the discussion if you don't have any other query. Wish your good health and take care yourself. Regards, Dr Soumen For future query, you can directly approach me through http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=63326