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FMF-standard first trimester risk assessment

11–14 Week Aneuploidy Screening in Nagpur

A clinically structured first-trimester screening assessment for trisomy 21, trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 risk — combining precise ultrasound markers, maternal factors and biochemical markers where indicated.

Dr. Kunda Shahane, MBBS, MS, FIFM, FMF (London)
20,000+ fetuses evaluated
Central India’s pioneer fetal medicine specialist
GE Voluson Signature Expert
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Timing
11 weeks 0 days to 13 weeks 6 days
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CRL Window
45 mm to 84 mm crown-rump length
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Purpose
Risk screening for common aneuploidies
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Nature
Screening test, not diagnostic confirmation
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Next Step
NIPT, CVS or amniocentesis if indicated
Clinical overview

What is 11–14 week aneuploidy screening?

11–14 week aneuploidy screening is a first-trimester risk assessment performed during the short window when the fetal crown-rump length is between 45 mm and 84 mm. It estimates the chance of common chromosomal conditions, especially trisomy 21, trisomy 18 and trisomy 13.

This page is written slightly more clinically than the general NT scan page. The NT scan focuses mainly on patient understanding. This aneuploidy screening page explains the complete clinical framework: ultrasound markers, maternal factors, biochemical markers, risk calculation, interpretation and follow-up pathways.

KS
Reviewed by Dr. Kunda Shahane
MBBS · MS (Obs & Gynae) · FIFM · FMF (London) · Fetal Medicine Specialist
FMF-standard first-trimester screening requires precise technique, strict timing and careful counselling. At Mayflower, the screening is interpreted by Dr. Kunda Shahane in the context of the mother’s age, scan markers, blood markers and pregnancy history.
Timing matters

The screening window is strict

The 11–14 week scan is not just an early pregnancy scan. It is a time-sensitive measurement-based screening protocol. Outside this window, NT-based risk calculation is no longer valid in the same way.

11w0d
Earliest valid timing
The scan begins at 11 weeks 0 days when the fetus has reached the minimum size needed for reliable NT measurement.
45–84
CRL-based eligibility
The crown-rump length should be between 45 mm and 84 mm. This is more important than using only the calendar date.
13w6d
Last valid day
After 13 weeks 6 days, the NT screening window closes. If missed, other screening strategies may need to be considered.
What is assessed

Core components of 11–14 week aneuploidy screening

A complete first-trimester screening assessment does not depend on a single number. Dr. Kunda Shahane integrates multiple markers to create a clinically meaningful risk interpretation.

ComponentWhat is evaluatedClinical significance
Crown-rump lengthAccurate fetal length measurement from head to rump.Confirms gestational age and validates whether NT screening is technically eligible.
Nuchal translucencyFluid space behind the fetal neck measured in a strict mid-sagittal plane.Increased NT may raise risk for chromosomal conditions and some structural concerns.
Nasal bonePresence or absence of the fetal nasal bone when technically assessable.Used as an additional marker in first-trimester aneuploidy risk assessment.
Ductus venosus flowWaveform pattern in the ductus venosus, especially the a-wave.Abnormal flow may refine risk and may also prompt careful cardiac follow-up.
Tricuspid flowAssessment for tricuspid regurgitation when fetal position permits.Can contribute to first-trimester risk refinement in selected cases.
Maternal age and background riskAge-related baseline risk and relevant medical/pregnancy history.Forms the starting point before ultrasound and blood marker adjustment.
Biochemical markersPAPP-A and free beta-hCG blood test where combined screening is chosen.Improves screening performance compared with NT measurement alone.
Early anatomy reviewEarly review of fetal head, abdominal wall, limbs, stomach, bladder and gross anatomy.Does not replace the 18–22 week anomaly scan, but can detect some early concerns.
Important clinical distinction

This is a screening assessment. A low-risk result is reassuring but not a guarantee. A high-risk result does not confirm a condition. It indicates the need for counselling and possible further testing.

Screening pathways

How this differs from NT scan, combined screening and NIPT

These terms often overlap in patient conversations. The difference is important, especially when explaining results or planning further testing.

NT Scan

  • Ultrasound-based first-trimester scan
  • Measures nuchal translucency
  • Also checks CRL and early anatomy
  • Can be part of wider aneuploidy screening

Combined Screening

  • NT scan plus maternal blood markers
  • Uses PAPP-A and free beta-hCG
  • Creates a combined risk estimate
  • Useful when blood test is done in the correct window

NIPT

  • Maternal blood test using cell-free fetal DNA
  • Higher screening accuracy for common trisomies
  • Still a screening test, not diagnostic confirmation
  • Often discussed after intermediate or high-risk results

CVS / Amniocentesis

  • Diagnostic tests, not screening tests
  • Recommended after counselling in selected cases
  • Can provide chromosomal confirmation
  • Performed only after informed consent
Who should consider it

Indications for 11–14 week aneuploidy screening

This screening is recommended as part of routine first-trimester care for most pregnancies. It becomes especially important when the pregnancy already has maternal, fetal or family-history risk factors.

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All pregnant women
First-trimester screening helps classify the pregnancy into low, intermediate or high-risk categories for common chromosomal conditions.
35+
Advanced maternal age
Maternal age contributes to background risk and should be integrated with scan and biochemical markers.
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Previous chromosomal concern
Prior pregnancy affected by a chromosomal condition, previous abnormal screening result or relevant family history needs specialist interpretation.
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IVF / assisted conception
IVF pregnancies often benefit from early specialist review, correct dating and structured first-trimester screening.
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Twin pregnancy
Twins require careful chorionicity assessment and risk calculation adapted to twin pregnancy rather than singleton formulas.
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Abnormal early scan finding
Increased NT, absent nasal bone, abnormal ductus venosus, early structural concern or discrepancy in dates needs expert counselling.
Visit flow

What happens during the appointment?

1
Review of pregnancy dates and history
Previous scan reports, LMP, IVF embryo transfer date, previous pregnancy outcomes and relevant family history are reviewed before the scan.
2
FMF-standard ultrasound assessment
Dr. Kunda Shahane evaluates CRL, NT, nasal bone, ductus venosus, tricuspid flow where feasible and early fetal anatomy.
3
Blood marker integration where applicable
If combined screening is chosen or already performed, PAPP-A and free beta-hCG values are interpreted with the ultrasound findings.
4
Risk interpretation and counselling
The result is explained in understandable terms: low risk, intermediate risk or high risk — with next steps explained without panic.
5
Next-step planning
Depending on the result, Dr. Kunda may advise routine follow-up, NIPT, genetic counselling, CVS, amniocentesis, fetal echo or early anomaly review.
Technology support

GE Voluson Signature Expert for precise first-trimester imaging

First-trimester screening depends on small measurements and correct imaging planes. At Mayflower, the GE Voluson Signature Expert supports high-resolution fetal imaging, standardized views and consistent documentation. Technology supports the doctor’s expertise — it does not replace clinical judgement.

High-resolution first-trimester imaging
SonoNT / standardized measurement support
Colour Doppler for selected vascular markers
Structured fetal medicine documentation
How to understand results

What can the result mean?

Result categoryMeaningPossible next step
Low risk The calculated risk is below the threshold used for further testing. This is reassuring but does not guarantee absence of all conditions. Continue routine antenatal care, anomaly scan at 18–22 weeks and follow-up as advised.
Intermediate risk Risk is not clearly low, but may not directly require invasive testing. Individual counselling is important. Discuss NIPT, repeat review, early anomaly assessment or genetic counselling depending on the full picture.
High risk The calculated risk is above the screening threshold. This is not a diagnosis. Genetic counselling and discussion of diagnostic tests such as CVS or amniocentesis may be advised.
Increased NT NT is above the expected range for CRL. This may be associated with chromosomal, cardiac or other fetal concerns. Detailed counselling, NIPT or diagnostic testing, early anomaly scan, fetal echocardiography and follow-up plan.
A good screening report is not only a number

The most useful report explains the risk, the limitations, the next options and the timing of follow-up. At Mayflower, counselling is part of the assessment, not an afterthought.

Preparation

How should patients prepare?

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Bring previous records
Carry previous ultrasound reports, blood tests, IVF details, NIPT reports if already done and previous pregnancy records if relevant.
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Bladder preparation
A moderately filled bladder may help early pregnancy imaging. You may be asked to empty it depending on scan view and fetal position.
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No fasting required
This screening scan generally does not require fasting. Continue routine medicines unless your treating doctor has advised otherwise.
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Keep time for counselling
The actual scan time can vary because fetal position matters. Counselling after the scan is equally important.
Related services

Useful internal links for this pathway

These pages support the complete first-trimester screening and follow-up pathway.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Is 11–14 week aneuploidy screening compulsory?
It is a recommended screening assessment, not a compulsory test. It helps estimate risk for common chromosomal conditions and guides whether further testing should be considered. The decision is made after counselling.
Is this page different from the NT scan page?
Yes. The NT scan page explains the scan in a patient-friendly way. This page focuses on the full clinical aneuploidy screening pathway — including NT, nasal bone, ductus venosus, tricuspid flow, blood markers and follow-up decisions.
Can this test diagnose Down syndrome?
No. It estimates risk. A diagnostic answer requires tests such as CVS or amniocentesis, performed only after proper counselling and informed consent.
What happens if my result is high risk?
A high-risk result does not mean the baby definitely has a chromosomal condition. Dr. Kunda Shahane will explain the result, review the scan markers and discuss options such as NIPT, CVS, amniocentesis or targeted follow-up.
Can twins undergo this screening?
Yes, but twins require careful assessment of chorionicity and adapted interpretation. Risk calculation and counselling differ from singleton pregnancies.
Is blood test always required?
Blood markers are part of combined first-trimester screening. In some situations, patients may choose NT-only screening or NIPT depending on timing, history and counselling. Dr. Kunda will guide the most appropriate pathway.
Does a low-risk result mean everything is normal?
A low-risk result is reassuring for the specific conditions screened, but it does not rule out all genetic or structural conditions. The 18–22 week anomaly scan remains essential.
Should I bring my obstetrician’s referral?
A referral is helpful but not mandatory. Please bring all previous reports and your antenatal records so that the result can be interpreted in context.
First-trimester screening should never be reduced to one measurement or one number. The real value lies in precision, interpretation and calm counselling — so parents understand what the result means and what it does not mean.
Dr. Kunda Shahane
Fetal Medicine Specialist, Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High-Risk Pregnancy Centre

Book 11–14 Week Aneuploidy Screening in Nagpur

For accurate timing, FMF-standard scan technique and specialist counselling, book your first-trimester screening appointment at Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High-Risk Pregnancy Centre, Dhantoli, Nagpur.

PCPNDT Act Notice

Mayflower Fetal Medicine Centre strictly complies with the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994. Sex determination and sex-selective practices are strictly prohibited and punishable by law. All ultrasound and prenatal diagnostic services at this centre are performed exclusively for lawful medical indications — fetal anatomy assessment, fetal wellbeing, and diagnosis of maternal-fetal conditions. Disclosure of fetal sex is illegal and is not performed at this centre under any circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

This page is for general patient education only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult Dr. Kunda Shahane or your treating obstetrician for advice specific to your pregnancy. Screening tests estimate risk and do not guarantee complete absence of chromosomal, genetic or structural conditions.