During the baby’s stay in the womb, a woman undergoes numerous studies and tests. Such diagnostics are necessary in order to know the health status of the expectant mother and her baby. A mandatory examination during pregnancy is an ultrasound scan. It is this diagnosis that allows you to identify possible deviations and violations in the development of the embryo. In this article, we will talk about what is the norm of the thickness of the collar space at 13 weeks. You will learn how to examine this education. Also get acquainted with possible problems that arise if the collar space of the baby does not fit into the acceptable values. It is worth saying a few words about what needs to be done in case of a deviation from the norm.
What is the collar of the fetus
To begin with, it is worth saying about what is the collar space. This is a place of fluid accumulation between the neck of the baby and its upper skin membrane. This education most often has an oblong shape.
It is displayed in black on the monitor of the ultrasound machine. While the skin has a white tint. Measurement of the width is carried out in the widest place of this formation.
The norm of the thickness of the collar space at 13 weeks: how is the examination
At this time, the expectant 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 also be used.
A woman sits on a flat couch on her back. Before starting the diagnosis, a specialist must use a conductive gel. It facilitates the movement of the sensor and improves sound conductivity.
The position of the fetus during diagnosis should be lateral. Only in this condition can a specialist see the exact cut and measure the cervical spine.
How does the collar space (norm) depend on the gestational age?
The measurement of this object should be carried out in the period from 11 to 14 weeks of development of the baby. This limitation is due to the following. At 10 weeks, the size of the fetus is still very small, and some experts are unable to grasp the desired position of the crumbs. After 14 weeks of pregnancy , a gradual decrease (resorption) of this accumulation of fluid begins. In this regard, the diagnosis at this time may not be informative.
The collar space (norm) increases in size from 10 to 13 weeks of pregnancy. After this period, it begins to gradually decrease, almost disappearing by the 16th week of embryo development.
The norm of the width of the cervical spine
There is a collar space thickness established for all (norm). The table of permissible values is given in this article.
If the expectant mother undergoes ultrasound diagnostics at 11 weeks of the baby's development, then for this fetus, the permissible values of the formation width are in the range from 0.8 to 2.2 millimeters.
In the case when the diagnosis is carried out at 12 weeks of gestation, the norm of the collar zone has boundaries similar to the previous term. So, the range of values is from 0.8 to 2.2 millimeters. But it is worth noting that the same fetus may not have the same data at different weeks of pregnancy.
The norm of the thickness of the collar space of 13 weeks is as follows: 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 norm of 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 area.
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 body. If the future baby bends his neck and presses his chin to his chest, then the width of the collar zone can be underestimated. It also happens in the opposite case. If the baby deflects the head back, then this segment expands. These conditions must be considered when taking measurements.
Deviations from normal values
If it is diagnosed that the collar space does not fit into the range of acceptable values at 13 weeks (the norm has not been identified), what should be the next steps in this case? Most often, this result indicates a possible chromosomal abnormality. So, the thinning or expansion of the collar space in the fetus indicates the presence of Down syndrome.
In this case, the specialist issues an ultrasound examination protocol 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 expectant mother is recommended to take a blood test to determine the risks. It is such a diagnosis in conjunction with an ultrasound examination that allows the most accurate determination of the presence of a chromosomal pathology.
What to do when an abnormality is detected
If an additional examination showed the presence of Down syndrome or another genetic disease, then the woman is invited to conduct a series of additional studies. Most often, the diagnosis consists in taking material from the umbilical cord or the fetal bladder. After the examination, a reliable conclusion is made. If congenital malformations are confirmed, the woman may decide to terminate the pregnancy.
Does everyone have the same rate at 13 weeks of pregnancy
It is worth noting that you can not rely on the data of your friends or relatives. If in one fetus the thickness of the collar zone was, for example, 1.3 millimeters, and in the other 2.0 millimeters, then this is the normal value. Do not sound the alarm and say that the second child has risks. The data fit into the acceptable values and this is most important.
Often, normal values may be somewhat blurry. On different devices and on different days, the width of this formation may vary by several millimeters. This is not critical.
Each pregnancy is individual. What happened the first time can radically differ from everything that happens in the second.
Summary and conclusion
Be sure to go through all the tests prescribed by your doctor. Only in this case you will be confident in the health and normal development of your unborn child. Never give up your first screening study. After all, it is this diagnosis that allows you to identify possible deviations in the development of the fetus.
Cervical width is an important indicator. Now you know what is the norm of the thickness of the collar space at 13 weeks of pregnancy and at an earlier (later) time. Try to undergo ultrasound diagnostics from the same specialist. In this case, the data will be as reliable as possible. Easy pregnancy and good results in the thickness of the collar space of the fetus!