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What Does This NT Scan Report During Pregnancy Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 6 Oct 2016

Question: My wife is 13 weeks + 3 days pregnant. She has TSH 4.73.Yesterday we had our NT scan. In NT scan there are some Red marks which I didn't understand.Doctor told blood flow is low for the baby. She suggested to take tablet.

NT scan Text :
The uterine artery PI is raised with bilateral notches.This is a screening test for developement of preeclampsia and/or fetal growth restriction.
Hence I recommend regular maternal surveillance and serial fetal growth scans.

1)Please help me understand why this will happen. What are the problems if Blood flow is less.
2)Will this problem be resolved automatically going forward? Or by taking tablets.
3)Is there any way to increase blood flow by doing some Exercise or by changing food intake?
4)Will Baby get affected by this?
5)Please suggest some good food to mitigate the risk.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Aspirin needs to be taken

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
I have reviewed the reports.
1. The report shows notching in bilateral uterine arteries along with increased resistance of blood flow in left uterine artery. Uterine arteries are the main source of blood supply to the placenta and hence the fetus. Compromised blood supply along with notching occurs when there is some disturbance in the development of the placenta. It can occur in hypertension, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, kidney disease, or sometimes no cause is found (idiopathic).
If the blood flow is less, then there will be improper growth of the fetus.
2. One is advised aspirin tablets to increase the blood flow. It is unlikely to resolve by itself.
3. No, there is no exercise or food habits which can increase the blood flow.
4. Yes, the fetus has improper and reduced growth if the blood supply is reduced.
5. High protein diet like milk, milk products, pulses, sprouts, eggs and meat (if non vegetarian) should be taken to promote the growth of the fetus. However, aspirin needs to be taken to increase the blood supply.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma
OBGYN
Maternal and fetal medicine specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (37 minutes later)

Hi XXXXXXX

Thank you for clear and precise reply. Very happy with the reply.

Is it better to avoid physical activity? Like walking, house hold tasks?

Right now she is working as software engineer. Would it be good if she stops working to avoid some stress?

Her normal weight is 74 kg. I read in some blogs low blood flow and Thyroid problems occur because of over weight. Is this correct?

Could you help me understand the red marks in the NT scan?

Is this problem related to Thyroid?

Is Baby growth normal right now?

Regards,
XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thyroid and stress do not lead to decreased blood flow

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
Normal physical activity and working is allowed in pregnancy, and it has no effect on the uterine blood flow. So, she can continue with her job.
No, overweight do not cause decreased uterine artery blood flow.
The thyroid hormone disturbances cause increase in weight.
No, this problem is not related to thyroid.
As of now, the baby's growth is normal.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng