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First Trimester Screening · Nagpur

NT Scan in Nagpur
FMF (London) Protocol · Performed by Dr. Kunda Shahane

The NT scan is your pregnancy's most important first-trimester screening — a precise, painless ultrasound at 11–14 weeks that, combined with a simple blood test, calculates your baby's risk of Down syndrome and other chromosomal conditions with over 90% accuracy. At Mayflower, it is performed to the global standard set by the Fetal Medicine Foundation, London.

📅 Book NT Scan 📞 Call 0712-669-2706
⏱ Best Window: 11+0 to 13+6 weeks 📐 CRL: 45–84 mm 🎯 Detection Rate: > 90% (Combined) ⏰ Scan Duration: 30–45 mins
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Dr. Kunda Shahane
MBBS · MS (Obs & Gynae) · FIFM · FMF (London) Certified — Central India's First Fetal Medicine Specialist
Dr. Kunda Shahane is FMF (London) certified for NT measurement and combined first trimester screening — the same protocol used at the world's leading fetal medicine centres. Over 20,000 fetal scans evaluated. Founder of the Indian Institute of Fetal Medicine (IIFM), training doctors across India in FMF-standard screening.
FMF London Certified 20,000+ Fetuses Evaluated 14+ Years Fetal Medicine
Understanding the Scan

What Is the NT Scan?

The nuchal translucency (NT) scan is a specialised first-trimester ultrasound that measures the small fluid-filled space at the back of your baby's neck — a measurement that, when combined with maternal age and a blood test, gives one of the most accurate first-trimester risk calculations available for chromosomal conditions. It is a screening test, not a diagnostic one: it tells you whether further investigation is recommended, not whether the baby definitely has a condition.

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What It Screens For

Chromosomal conditions: Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13), and Turner syndrome. Cardiac conditions: increased NT is associated with congenital heart disease, prompting detailed fetal echocardiography later. Early structural anomalies: anencephaly, abdominal wall defects, megacystis, limb defects — visible from 11–14 weeks on the GE Voluson Signature Expert.

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What It Measures

The actual NT thickness (the back-of-neck fluid space) is the key marker — but the scan also evaluates the nasal bone, ductus venosus flow, and tricuspid valve flow. The crown-rump length (CRL) confirms gestational age. All these markers are combined with maternal age and blood test results (PAPP-A and free beta-hCG) using the FMF (London) algorithm to give your personal risk figure.

🎗 NT Scan At a Glance
Best gestational window11 weeks 0 days to 13 weeks 6 days
Required CRL45–84 mm
Scan duration30–45 minutes
Combined detection rate (Down syndrome)> 90%
False positive rate3–5%
Type of testScreening — not diagnostic
Patient preparationModerately full bladder; no fasting
EquipmentGE Voluson Signature Expert (AI-enabled)
Performed byDr. Kunda Shahane — FMF (London) certified
Result discussionSame day, with personalised counselling
The Timing Window

When Should the NT Scan Be Done?

Timing is critical. The NT measurement is only reliable within a specific window — before 11 weeks the nuchal fluid is too small to measure accurately, and after 14 weeks the fluid disperses into the lymphatic system. If your dates are uncertain, an early dating scan should be done first to confirm timing.

Required Window for Accurate NT
Between 11+0 and 13+6 Weeks

This corresponds to a baby's crown-rump length (CRL) of 45 mm to 84 mm. The earlier in this window the scan is done, the more time you have to act on the results if further testing is needed.

11+0
Earliest week
12+0
Ideal week
13+6
Latest day
45–84mm
CRL range
The Five Markers

What Is Measured at an NT Scan?

A complete FMF-standard NT scan looks at five specific markers — not just the nuchal translucency thickness. Each marker contributes to the overall risk calculation. Many clinics measure NT alone; at Mayflower, every marker is evaluated systematically using FMF protocol.

01
Nuchal Translucency (NT)
Primary Marker
The fluid-filled space at the back of the baby's neck. Measured at a specific sagittal section using calipers placed exactly on the inner skin borders. Increased thickness above the 95th percentile for CRL is associated with higher risk of chromosomal conditions and cardiac defects.
02
Nasal Bone (NB)
Secondary Marker
The presence or absence of a visible nasal bone is assessed. An absent or hypoplastic nasal bone is associated with Down syndrome and other chromosomal conditions. The FMF algorithm incorporates nasal bone status into the risk calculation.
03
Ductus Venosus Flow
Cardiac Marker
A small blood vessel inside the fetal liver. Its waveform pattern on Doppler tells us about fetal cardiac function. Abnormal ductus venosus flow at this stage is associated with increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities and congenital heart disease.
04
Tricuspid Valve Flow
Cardiac Marker
Doppler assessment of the tricuspid valve in the fetal heart. The presence of tricuspid regurgitation at 11–14 weeks is associated with chromosomal conditions and cardiac defects, and is included in the FMF risk algorithm.
05
Crown-Rump Length (CRL)
Dating Reference
The baby's length from the top of the head to the bottom of the spine. CRL precisely confirms the gestational age. Every other marker (especially NT) is interpreted in relation to CRL — accurate dating is fundamental to the risk calculation.
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Early Anatomy Survey
Bonus Assessment
In addition to the FMF markers, Dr. Kunda performs an early anatomy survey — examining the brain (cranium and choroid plexus), abdomen (stomach, abdominal wall), bladder, limbs, and overall fetal body shape. Many major structural anomalies can be detected as early as 11–14 weeks.
The Combined Test

How Is the Risk Calculated?

A high-quality NT scan does not give you a single number from the screen. It calculates a personalised risk by combining ultrasound findings, your blood test results, and your maternal background. This is called Combined First Trimester Screening (cFTS). Dr. Kunda Shahane uses the FMF (London) algorithm — the same calculation engine used at leading centres worldwide.

FMF (London) Combined Algorithm
The Calculation
Maternal Age + NT & Markers + PAPP-A + β-hCG = Personal Risk

The blood test (PAPP-A and free beta-hCG) is taken at 10–13 weeks. Results are combined with the NT scan markers and your maternal age using the FMF algorithm. The output is a single risk figure — for example, 1 in 5,000 (very low risk) or 1 in 80 (intermediate-to-high risk).

> 90%
Detection rate
3–5%
False positive rate
FMF
London protocol
1 in X
Personalised result
Who Needs This Scan

Who Should Have an NT Scan?

The NT scan is recommended for every pregnant woman, regardless of age, medical history, or how the pregnancy was conceived. It is the universal first-trimester screening — and the only opportunity to assess specific markers like nuchal translucency, which can only be measured at 11–14 weeks.

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All Pregnant Women
Recommended as routine universal first-trimester screening — the standard of care for every pregnancy.
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Women Aged 35+
Advanced maternal age increases the background risk of chromosomal conditions. NT scan provides a personalised refinement of that risk.
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Previous Affected Pregnancy
Women with a previous pregnancy affected by Down syndrome or other chromosomal anomaly — informs counselling and further testing.
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IVF Pregnancies
First-trimester screening is particularly important after assisted reproduction, including IVF, ICSI, and egg-donor pregnancies.
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Family History
Family history of chromosomal conditions, congenital heart disease, or genetic disorders — NT scan provides a starting point for evaluation.
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Twin / Multiple Pregnancy
In twin pregnancies, NT is calculated separately for each baby. The scan also confirms chorionicity — critical for managing twin pregnancy risks like TTTS.
Understanding Results

How Are the Results Interpreted?

Your NT scan result is a risk figure — usually expressed as "1 in X". It is not a diagnosis. Dr. Kunda Shahane explains the result in plain language and outlines exactly what each risk category means and what your options are.

Result Category
Low Risk
1 in 1,001 or lower
The combined risk is very low. Routine antenatal care continues. No further chromosomal testing is recommended based on this result. You will still proceed to the routine 20-week anomaly scan as part of standard care.
Result Category
Intermediate Risk
1 in 101 to 1 in 1,000
An additional, more sensitive test is usually recommended — typically NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test), a blood test that analyses fetal DNA. NIPT can refine the risk further before any invasive testing is considered.
Result Category
High Risk
1 in 100 or higher
Diagnostic testing (CVS at 11–14 weeks or amniocentesis after 16 weeks) is offered to confirm or rule out a chromosomal condition. Detailed counselling is provided. Some families choose NIPT first before deciding on diagnostic testing.

Note: Risk thresholds vary slightly between protocols. Dr. Kunda Shahane uses the FMF (London) thresholds as the basis for counselling. Risk figures are not destiny — the great majority of pregnancies with intermediate or high screening risk turn out to have a normal baby.

Step-by-Step

What Happens at Your NT Scan

The whole appointment takes about an hour. The actual scan is 30–45 minutes — the rest is counselling, discussion, and answering your questions.

1
Arrival & Brief History
You are welcomed, your details are confirmed, and a brief medical and pregnancy history is taken — including any previous pregnancies, family history, and your blood test results if already done.
2
Dating Confirmation (CRL)
Dr. Kunda Shahane measures the crown-rump length (CRL) precisely on the GE Voluson Signature Expert — confirming the gestational age. This is critical because every other measurement is interpreted relative to CRL.
3
NT Measurement (FMF Protocol)
The baby is positioned in a true mid-sagittal view. Calipers are placed exactly on the inner skin borders of the nuchal fluid space, with the head in neutral position. SonoNT AI verifies the image meets FMF criteria. Multiple measurements are taken — the highest reliable value is used.
4
Additional FMF Markers
Nasal bone presence is checked. Ductus venosus flow is assessed using pulsed-wave Doppler. Tricuspid valve flow is examined for regurgitation. Each marker is documented in the report.
5
Early Anatomy Survey
A systematic early structural survey is performed — head, brain, face, abdomen, abdominal wall, bladder, limbs. Major anomalies that are visible at 11–14 weeks are identified at this stage rather than waiting until 18–22 weeks.
6
Risk Calculation & Counselling
All measurements are entered into the FMF (London) software along with your maternal age and blood results. The risk figure is calculated. Dr. Kunda Shahane explains the result to you in detail, in your preferred language (English, Hindi, or Marathi), and outlines next steps based on the result category.
7
Written Report & Plan
A complete written report is provided, including all measurements, markers, calculated risks, and recommendations. You leave with clarity — about your result, the next scan, and any further testing that may be advised.
GE Voluson Signature Expert
AI-Enhanced NT Measurement

The NT measurement is one of the most demanding in fetal ultrasound — a 0.1 mm error in caliper placement changes the calculated risk significantly. The GE Voluson Signature Expert at Mayflower brings AI assistance specifically designed to ensure FMF-quality measurements every time.

SonoNT AI
Verifies the NT measurement image meets all FMF (London) quality criteria — correct plane, neutral neck position, sufficient magnification — before calipers are placed.
High-Frequency Probe
Ultra-high resolution at 11–14 weeks — small fetal structures are visible with the clarity required for accurate marker evaluation.
Pulsed-Wave Doppler
Precise Doppler waveform analysis of ductus venosus and tricuspid valve — critical for the secondary FMF cardiac markers.
Early Anatomy Power
3D/4D and high-detail 2D imaging enable a meaningful early anatomy survey at 11–14 weeks — earlier detection of major structural anomalies.
A Common Question

NT Scan vs. NIPT — Which Do I Need?

Parents often ask whether the NT scan is still necessary if they choose NIPT — or vice versa. The honest answer: they do different things, and the strongest approach is to use both. NT scan provides essential structural information that NIPT cannot. NIPT provides higher chromosomal accuracy than ultrasound markers alone.

What it offersNT ScanNIPT
Test typeUltrasound + blood markersMaternal blood test (cell-free fetal DNA)
When done11+0 to 13+6 weeksFrom 10 weeks onwards
Down syndrome detection> 90% (combined)> 99%
Structural anomaly detection✅ Yes (early anatomy)❌ No
Cardiac risk indication✅ Yes (increased NT → fetal echo)❌ No
Twin pregnancy assessment✅ Yes (chorionicity + each twin)Limited
Confirms gestational dating✅ Yes❌ No
Diagnostic certaintyScreening onlyScreening only

Dr. Kunda Shahane will recommend the best combination based on your specific situation and budget. For most families, an NT scan with combined first-trimester screening is the foundation — with NIPT added in intermediate-risk results or when extra reassurance is wanted.

Dr. Kunda Explains

First Trimester Care — गरोदरपणातील पहिले ३ महिने

In this Marathi video, Dr. Kunda Shahane discusses the importance of first trimester care, including the NT scan and combined screening. A helpful guide for parents in Vidarbha and across Maharashtra.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your NT Scan Questions Answered

Is the NT scan painful or uncomfortable?
No. It is a standard transabdominal ultrasound scan — the same type as any pregnancy scan. You lie on a comfortable bed, warm ultrasound gel is applied to your lower abdomen, and the probe is gently moved across the skin. There is no needle, no injection, and nothing enters the body. Occasionally a transvaginal probe is used briefly if a clearer view is needed — this is also painless.
How long does the NT scan take?
The ultrasound itself takes 30–45 minutes. The complete appointment — including history, scan, FMF risk calculation, written report, and a detailed conversation about results — usually takes about an hour. The longer duration compared to a routine scan reflects the precision required to obtain FMF-standard measurements of NT, nasal bone, ductus venosus, and tricuspid flow.
Will I get the result the same day?
If you have already completed your blood test (PAPP-A and beta-hCG), then yes — the complete combined first-trimester screening result is calculated and explained on the same visit. If the blood test is yet to be done, the ultrasound result is given on the day, and the combined risk is finalised once the blood results are available, usually within 1–3 days.
Do I need to fast before the NT scan?
No fasting is required. You can eat normally before the scan. A moderately full bladder is helpful for the transabdominal portion — drinking about 500 mL of water 30–60 minutes before your appointment is usually enough. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your lower abdomen.
What if I missed the 11–14 week window?
If you are past 13 weeks 6 days, the NT measurement is no longer reliable. However, other screening options remain available — NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test, a blood test) can be done from 10 weeks onwards and is particularly valuable when NT timing has been missed. A detailed second-trimester anomaly scan with genetic sonogram markers can also provide additional screening information. Dr. Kunda Shahane will guide you to the most appropriate next test based on your current week of pregnancy.
Can the NT scan detect every problem with my baby?
No screening test can detect every condition. The combined first-trimester screening has over 90% detection for Down syndrome, but some chromosomal conditions and many structural anomalies are not detectable at 11–14 weeks. The 20-week anomaly scan is the most comprehensive structural assessment — and is recommended regardless of NT scan result. Dr. Kunda Shahane is direct and honest about what each test can and cannot tell you.
Will the NT scan tell me my baby's sex?
No. Disclosure of fetal sex is illegal under the PCPNDT Act 1994 and is not performed at Mayflower Clinic under any circumstances. The NT scan focuses entirely on fetal wellbeing, structural assessment, and risk screening for medical conditions.
I am coming from outside Nagpur — what should I bring?
Bring your last menstrual period date, any previous scan reports (especially any early dating scan), your PAPP-A and beta-hCG blood test reports if already done, and a referral letter from your obstetrician if you have one. We see patients regularly from Amravati, Akola, Wardha, Yavatmal, Chandrapur, Gondia, and across Vidarbha. Contact us in advance via WhatsApp (+91-8087471244) to schedule your appointment at a convenient time.
Doctor's Note
"An NT scan is more than a measurement. It is the first detailed conversation between a family and their pregnancy — a moment that can either be rushed and reassuring-but-empty, or careful and genuinely informative. I see this scan as a responsibility, not a routine. Every caliper placement, every Doppler waveform, every marker matters. Because the parents in front of me have come to ask whether their baby is well — and they deserve an answer built on the highest global standard, not on a shortcut. That is why FMF certification exists. And that is the standard we hold ourselves to at Mayflower."
Dr. Kunda Shahane — MBBS, MS (Obs & Gynae), FIFM, FMF (London)
Central India's First Fetal Medicine Specialist · Founder, IIFM · Mayflower Fetal Medicine Centre, Nagpur
Your Next Steps

Related Scans & Services

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Dating Scan (6–10 Weeks)
Confirm pregnancy & get accurate dates before NT
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NIPT / Prenatal Screening
Cell-free fetal DNA blood test — >99% accuracy
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Anomaly Scan (18–22 Weeks)
Detailed second-trimester structural survey
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Fetal Echocardiography
If NT is increased — early fetal heart assessment
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CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling)
Diagnostic test for high-risk NT results — 11–14 weeks
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Genetic Counselling
Non-directive support before & after testing

Book Your NT Scan in Nagpur

An FMF (London)-standard NT scan, performed by Central India's first fetal medicine specialist on the GE Voluson Signature Expert. Same-day results. Compassionate counselling. Serving Nagpur, Vidarbha, and all of Central India.

📅 Book on WhatsApp 📞 Call 0712-669-2706
Mayflower Fetal Medicine Centre · Dhantoli, Nagpur · Monday–Saturday, 10am–6pm · Sunday: Closed
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. The NT scan is a screening test, not a diagnostic test — its results indicate risk, not certainty. Please consult Dr. Kunda Shahane or your treating obstetrician for advice specific to your pregnancy.