What does the nuchal translucency scan indicate?

Question

Hi doctor,

My nuchal translucency scan report says the fetal right femur length is 4.2 mm, falls at the 5th percentile, and the fetal left femur length is 5 mm falls at the 11th percentile. What does it mean? Is it a concern? Please advise.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

A normal fetus's femur length should be more than the 5th percentile. This is not an actual nuchal translucency scan. They have only mentioned femur length. They should also mention crown-rump length and nuchal translucency so that we can predict things better. You should repeat the scan after two weeks and ask them to mention these things also.

I hope this information will help.

Thanks.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Sometimes, the scan might show false lengths due to technical errors or baby position. Crown-rump length and nuchal translucency are within normal limits. No need to worry much; we cannot just increase the femoral length with food or medicine. Along with baby's growth, the length will increase. Till 14 weeks, you should continue with folic acid tablets and take a balanced protein diet. Repeat the scan after two weeks and do an anomaly scan around 18 to 20 weeks.

I hope this information will help.

Thanks.