Checking the growth, development and heart health of your pēpi

You will be offered an ultrasound scan called a nuchal translucency scan when you are between 11 and 14 weeks pregnant. The best time is at 12 weeks. This scan, together with a blood test, shows whether your pēpi is likely to have a genetic condition such as Down syndrome.

What the nuchal translucency scan checks

The scan measures the fluid at the back of your baby's neck. There tends to be more fluid if your pēpi has a genetic condition.

Screening for Down syndrome and other conditions

This scan also checks:

• when your pēpi is due
• how your pēpi is developing
• if you are having more than one pēpi.

Health professionals no longer recommend you have ultrasound scans (dating scans) before 12 weeks of pregnancy, unless there are concerns with the pregnancy or your health.