Week 11: NT Scan Window
Optional nuchal translucency screening and first trimester wrap-up
The nuchal translucency (NT) scan is available between weeks 11 and 14. It's an ultrasound that measures the fluid at the back of the baby's neck — a marker for chromosomal conditions. If you did NIPT, your doctor may skip this. Either way, you're almost through the hardest trimester.
What's happening this week
The fetus is moving constantly, though she can't feel it yet. Tooth buds are forming. The head is still disproportionately large — about half the body length. Her nausea may be starting to ease, and some energy is returning.
Your checklist
0 of 4 completeThe NT scan is typically done between weeks 11–14 alongside a blood draw (first-trimester combined screening). If you already did NIPT, your doctor may not recommend it. Ask what they advise for your specific situation.
If you're planning to announce after the first trimester, start thinking about how. Social media post? Phone calls? In-person dinners? Having a plan reduces stress when the time comes.
A baby is a major life change. If you don't have life insurance, now is the time to look into term life policies. If you do have it, check that the coverage amount and beneficiaries are still appropriate.
The first trimester is physically brutal and emotionally isolating — she's been keeping a secret while feeling terrible. Ask how she's doing. Not about symptoms. About her.
Recommended products
The Expectant Father by Armin Brott
The go-to pregnancy book written specifically for dads. Covers what's happening month by month with practical, no-fluff advice. Updated edition includes current medical guidance.
The nuchal translucency scan is one of the earliest ultrasound-based screenings available during pregnancy. Performed between weeks 11 and 14, it measures the clear space at the back of the developing baby's neck. An increased measurement can indicate a higher risk for Down syndrome and other chromosomal conditions. The NT scan is often combined with a maternal blood test (measuring PAPP-A and hCG levels) for what's called the first-trimester combined screening.
For dads who already completed NIPT, the NT scan may be redundant — but some OBs recommend it regardless as a belt-and-suspenders approach. The NT scan also gives you another look at the baby on ultrasound, which at 11 weeks is starting to look distinctly human. Ask your provider what they recommend for your specific risk profile.
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