Norm of the thickness of the collar at 13 weeks in the fetus

During the stay of the baby in the womb, the woman undergoes numerous studies and tests. Such diagnostics are necessary in order to know the state of health of the future mother and her baby. A mandatory examination during pregnancy is ultrasound scanning. It is this diagnosis that allows us to identify possible deviations and disturbances in the development of the embryo. In this article we will discuss what is the norm of the thickness of the collar space in 13 weeks. You will learn how to survey this education. Also get to know the possible problems that arise in the event that the collar space of the baby does not fit into acceptable values. It is worth saying a few words and what to do in case of deviation from the norm.

What is the collar of the fetus?

To begin with it is necessary to say that such a collar space. This place of fluid accumulation between the baby's neck and its upper skin. This formation often has an oblong form.

On the monitor of the ultrasound machine it is displayed in black. While the skin has a white hue. The width is measured at the widest point of the formation.

Norm of the thickness of the collar at 13 weeks: how is the examination conducted

At this time, the future mother is examined using a transabdominal sensor. In some cases, when it is difficult to establish the desired position of the fetus, the transvaginal method can be used.

The woman is sitting on a flat couch on her back. The specialist must use a conductive gel before starting the diagnosis. It facilitates the movement of the sensor and improves the sound conductivity.

The position of the fetus during the diagnosis should be lateral. Only in this condition the specialist can see the exact cut and perform the measurement of the cervical department.

How does the collar space (norm) depend on the gestational age

The measurement of this object should be performed in the period from 11 to 14 weeks of development of the baby. This restriction is due to the following. At 10 weeks, the size of the fetus is still very small and some experts do not get to grasp the desired position of the crumbs. After 14 weeks of pregnancy , a gradual decrease (resorption) of a given fluid accumulation begins. In this regard, the diagnosis at this time may be uninformative.

Collar space (norm) increases in size from 10 to 13 weeks of pregnancy. After this period, it begins to gradually decrease, virtually disappearing by the 16th week of embryo development.

Norm of the width of the cervical fetus

There is an established for all thickness of the collar space (norm). The table of admissible values is given in this article.

If the future mother undergoes ultrasound diagnosis in 11 weeks of development of the baby, then for the given fetus the allowable values of the width of the formation are in the range from 0.8 to 2.2 millimeters.

In the case when the diagnosis is carried out at the time of 12 weeks of pregnancy, the norm of the collar zone has boundaries similar to the previous period. So, the range of values is from 0.8 to 2.2 millimeters. But it is worth noting that the same fetus can not have the same data in different weeks of pregnancy.

The norm of the thickness of the collar space of 13 weeks is the following: from 0.7 to 2.5 millimeters. A few days later the distance may already reach 2.7 millimeters, which is also a normal indicator.

In addition to the permissible width, the specialist also notes the minimum boundaries. The thickness of the collar space at 13 weeks or earlier should not be less than 0.3 millimeters. Otherwise, we can talk about thinning this zone.

Also, when measuring, it is worth considering the position of the fetus. The head of the embryo should lie horizontally and be at the same level with the trunk. If the future baby bends his neck and presses his chin to his chest, the width of the collar zone can be understated. It also happens in the opposite case. If the baby rejects the head back, then this segment will expand. These conditions must be taken into account when taking measurements.

Deviations from normal values

If it is diagnosed that the collar space at 13 weeks is not within the acceptable range (the norm is not revealed), what should be the further actions in this case? Most often this result indicates a possible chromosomal abnormality. Thus, thinning or widening of the collar space in the fetus indicates the presence of Down's syndrome.

In this case, the specialist issues an ultrasound examination report with a conclusion that indicates the possibility of pathology. Most often the doctor prescribes an additional examination, which is carried out after one or two weeks (if time permits). Also, the future mother is recommended to take a blood test to determine the risks. It is such a diagnosis in conjunction with an ultrasound examination allows you to determine as accurately as possible the presence of chromosomal pathology.

What to do if an anomaly is detected

If the additional examination showed the presence of Down syndrome or another genetic disease, then the woman is offered to conduct a number of additional studies. Most often, the diagnosis is to take material from the umbilical cord or the bladder. After the examination, a reliable conclusion is made. In case of confirmation of congenital malformations, a woman may decide to terminate her pregnancy.

Do all the norm at 13 weeks of gestation are the same

It is worth noting that you can not rely on the data of your friends or relatives. If one fetus has a thickness of the collar zone, for example, 1.3 millimeters, and the other 2.0 millimeters, this is a normal value. It is not necessary to sound the alarm and say that the second child has risks. The data fits into acceptable values and this is most important.

Often the normal values can be somewhat greased. On different machines and on different days the width of this formation can differ by several millimeters. This is not critical.

Each pregnancy is individual. What was the first time, can radically differ from everything that happens in the second.

Summing up and conclusion

Be sure to go through all the doctor's assigned studies. Only in this case you will be assured of the health and normal development of your unborn child. Never give up the first screening test. After all, it is this diagnosis that allows you to identify possible deviations in the development of the fetus.

The width of the cervical region is an important indicator. Now you know what the norm of the thickness of the collar space is at 13 weeks of pregnancy and at an earlier (later) time. Try to pass the ultrasound diagnosis from the same specialist. In this case, the data will be as reliable as possible. Mild pregnancy and good results of the thickness of the collar fetal space!