What might an increased nuchal translucency measurement indicate during a prenatal ultrasound?

An increased nuchal translucency measurement during a prenatal ultrasound is associated with a higher risk for chromosomal disorders, particularly conditions such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and other aneuploidies. Nuchal translucency refers to the fluid collection at the back of the fetus's neck during the first trimester of pregnancy. A thicker than normal measurement may suggest that there is a higher risk of these genetic conditions, prompting further testing such as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) for definitive diagnoses.

The measurement is taken during the first trimester, typically between 11 to 14 weeks of gestation, and is often used in conjunction with other markers and the mother's age to assess risk. An increased nuchal translucency does not generally correlate with hypertension, fetal movement, or a decrease in the likelihood of birth defects.