First Trimester (OSCAR) Scans

What are first trimester (OSCAR) scans?

First trimester (OSCAR) scans, also known as nuchal translucency scans, are performed between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy. They involve a combination of ultrasound imaging and maternal blood tests to assess the risk of common chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down’s syndrome, Edward’s syndrome and Patau syndrome and some major structural abnormalities in the fetus.

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What do you scan for in first trimeter (OSCAR) scans?

First trimester (OSCAR) scans typically involve measuring the thickness of the fluid at the back of the baby's neck (nuchal translucency) and analysing specific maternal blood markers. These measurements and markers are used together with maternal age to calculate the individualised risk for chromosomal abnormalities.